Mizoram Chief Minister Calls for Investigation into Unexplored Mizo Heritage
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Aizawl, Jan 4 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Mizoram, Lalduhoma, stated on Saturday that a substantial part of Mizo history is still unexamined and encouraged historians and others to investigate Mizo heritage.
While launching a book at the Aijal Club, the Chief Minister pointed out the difficulties in documenting Mizo history, mentioning that the introduction of the Mizo alphabet in the early 1900s led to a lack of written documentation.
As a result, the current understanding of history largely comes from British colonial accounts, he noted, stressing the need to explore pre-colonial history from local viewpoints.
Lalduhoma remarked: “We have a rich history waiting to be uncovered, particularly from the pre-colonial period. Crafting our own stories, separate from British narratives, poses an excellent opportunity for researchers and history aficionados today.”
The Chief Minister unveiled the book titled “Mizo History and the Great Chiefs of Sailo: Vandula & Ropuiliani.”
An official indicated that this book, authored by four eminent researchers from Mizoram University and published by the Dr. Selbuanga Foundation, explores the profound history of the Sailo chiefs, especially focusing on iconic figures Vandula and Ropuiliani.
The book provides an extensive analysis of Chief Vandula’s lineage and honors the valiant freedom fighter Ropuiliani and her spouse, Vandula.
Vandula’s extensive and significant reign was followed by Ropuiliani, who took over leadership after his demise.
“Ropuiliani’s unwavering fight against British colonialism resulted in her capture and imprisonment in Chittagong (formerly East Pakistan, now in Bangladesh), where she remained until her death in 1895. Their steadfast patriotism and commitment to their homeland continue to evoke pride and a profound sense of national loyalty,” the official remarked.
The authors utilized rigorous scientific research methods, collecting data from both written documents and oral histories from within and outside Mizoram. Dr. Hmingthanzuali provided a preview of the book, while Dr. Laithangpuii, one of the co-authors, summarized their findings.
Saturday’s event was attended by the grandchildren of Vandula and Ropuiliani, along with descendants of Lalsavunga, Ropuiliani’s father and former chief of Aizawl.
The gathering featured numerous guests, Mizo history enthusiasts, and students, highlighting the community’s strong interest in preserving and comprehending their heritage. Ropuiliani is recognized as the first documented female chief in Mizo history during the late 19th century.
Born in 1828 to Chief Lalsavunga of Aizawl, she wed Vandula, the chief of Ralvawng. After her husband’s death in 1889, she became the chieftess of Denlung and eight additional villages near present-day Hnahthial in southern Mizoram.
Her leadership was characterized by her resolute resistance to British colonial power. She rejected British authority and inspired other chiefs to resist, which led to her arrest and imprisonment in Rangamati (in Bangladesh), where she passed away in 1895.
