Recent developments of the Mizo tribe

1. Agrarian change and social transformation amongst the Mizo tribe

No other community could afford a cohesive social order other than the Mizo community. They have a stable social community under the aristocratic government of the chiefs during the pre-colonial era.

Colonialism had not introduce any legislations on land which acted as a force of the social system when the chiefs had to retain their power over the land and customary rights.

It was a happy life According to T.H Lewin in 1834: “what struck me the most among them was the contentment and well-being of their lives, compared to the feverish anxieties of civilized life.” A remarkable feature of their society was the existence of a stable economic balance. It was of a low-level equilibrium pertaining to a subsistence economy.

At the time of British occupation in 1871, there was a limited orientation towards trade, which is a division of labor dictated by kinship and custom and a social hierarchy imposed by the institution of chieftainship. Conditions were not yet propitious for the emergence of market.

In contrast to the revolutionary changes experienced by Asian, African and Latin American countries, the socio-economic structure of the Mizo society seems to have undergone changes through the process of gradual evolution.

Despite the changes that have taken place in the atmosphere of oppressive policy, the social fabric was not torn apart by colonialism nor by the penetration of merchant capital. The relative stability of economic balance has been ascribed to the presence of these factors:

· The relative abundance of land;

· The enduring prevalence of communal ownership of land which retained land alienation;

The restrictive policy of the government that helped to safeguard the natives’ right to the land

2. Mizo Tribes and Traditions

There are a number of tribes among the Mizos: Pawis, Lushais, Raltes, Paithes, Hmars, Pangs and Kukis. Mizos are devout Christians. Festivals like Chapchar Kut and Pawl Kut are celebrated with great enthusiasm, as performances of Bamboo dance and Cheraw dance regale the spectators. Traditional Mizo houses are made out of bamboo and covered with thatch roofs, and decorated with animal skulls. Above the fireplace of every kitchen a bamboo frame is hung to keep cooking ingredients such as dried chillies, dry fish, salt, etc.

3. Mizo Artisan Crafts

Weaving is a popular craft of the state. The Mizos are skilled in producing lovely fabrics, by turning simple raw materials into beautiful designs. Predominantly, loin-looms and fly shuttle loom are used for making fabrics.

Puan is one of the many traditional attires worn by the women. It is usually about 45–48 inches in width and about 36 inches in length. Puans are famous for their lovely patterns, numerous designs and intricate embroidery which are worked along with the weave. The traditional designs are now incorporated in new styles. Puan Puanchei is generally worn by Mizo girls during festivals. The shades in the attire are black and white.