The term Mizo, meaning highlander, refers to a conglomeration of tribal communities sharing certain cultural specificities. Initially each community was eager to maintain its distinctive identity in respect of dialect, religious beliefs and social customs. But subsequently a process of integration and assimilation came into play, and there has now developed among them a common identity the Mizo. An inherent spirit of self-help was nurtured. Widespread acceptance of Christianity and a high percentage of literacy have aroused the Mizo society to move faster along the path of modernity. Mizoram- "the land of highlander" is a gentle pastoral land. An interesting tradition amongst the Mizos is the code of Ethics which revolves around tlawmngaihna, a term that means that every Mizo is duty is duty bound to be hospitable, kind, unselfish, and helpful to the poor and needy. The Mizo is a term of identification of several groups viz-Lushai, Pawi, Paite, Rayle, Pang, Hmar, etc. previously believrs of the good spirit pathian, the Mizo community today is greatly influenced by Christianity. Though the Mizo have accepted English as the medium of instruction, but the Mizo language is widely spoken and written in Roman script. The hill people have kept alive their rich cultural heritage, colourful customs and lively traditions. Festivals and dances of Mizo have a unique tribal flavour.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR S H M Rizvi
Dr. Syed Hasan Mujtaba Rizvi (Ph. D., University of Delhi) is a research anthropologist and has carried out empirical studies in the field of bio-cultural anthropology among the tribes, and Muslims of northern, western, north-western and north-eastern India. He, along with Dr. Shibani Roy, has written eleven books based upon original research. One of the Professor Emeritus (Anthropology) while reviewing his books stated that ".this indicates his understanding of the subject of anthropology in totality and in modern anthropological world, works of such nature are always encouraged."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Shibani Roy
Shibani Roy was born and brought up at Delhi. Her schooling had been at the Lady Irwin School and Post-School studies from Miranda House. She received her B.Sc. (Hons.) Degree in Anthropology in 1967 and Master Degree from the same Discipline specializing in SocialAnthropology. After a year of research work in the field of "Consanguinity among Muslims of North India", she joined department of Anthropology as a Ph.D. student in 1970 and was awarded the Ph.D. Degree in 1976. She was a part-time lecturer in Lady Irwin college, New Delhi, teaching post graduate classes during 1972-73. She was the recipient of senior research fellowship of C.S.I.R. for her project entitled "Changes in value Orientation of contemporary Muslims" carried out amongst the Bohras of Bombay. Her articles in Hindustan Times and Youth Times equally provoked the social scientists and laymen and made them have a new perspective towards this minority community. From 1976 to 1978 she had been actively engaged in a project on female fertility financed by World Health Organization. The entire work had been centred around Rajput Women of Rajasthan. At present she is holding the post of Assistant Anthropologist (Cultural) with the Anthropological Survey of India, Government of India. She has participated in national and international seminars and has a few publication to her credit in the field of Muslim women. Dr. Shibani roy has further stepped into the secluded privacy of the Muslims by marrying a Muslim fellow anthropologist and has a daughter.
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