The Mara (Mara Chin: Mara Chipho, pronounced [mərà tʃipʰaʊ]; Burmese: မရာလူမျိုး, pronounced [mərà lùmyo]), also historically known as Lakher, are an ethnic group native to Mizoram, India, and Chin State, Myanmar.[3][better source needed]
Mara Chipho | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Total population | |
| Estimated over 100,000 (India, Myanmar, Malaysia, United States, and Australia)[1] (2011) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 India (Mizoram)  Myanmar (Chin State) | |
| Languages | |
| Religion | |
 Christianity[2] |
Ethnonyms
editWhile the community refers to themselves as Mara, various exonyms have been used by neighboring tribes and colonial authorities. The Lushei referred to them as Lakher. Early British records called them Shendu before adopting the Lushei term.[4][5] They were also called "Yo" (Zo) by the British, presumably learned from the Lai.[6]
Geography
editMaraland is divided between India and Myanmar, straddling the international border.
West Maraland
editWest Maraland lies in Mizoram, India. It constitutes a distinct administrative region with its own Siaha district and enjoys autonomy through the Mara Autonomous District Council.[citation needed]
East Maraland
editEast Maraland is located in Chin State, Myanmar. It is divided into two main districts: Thantlang District (locally known as "Chha Mara") and Matupi District ("Fei Mara").[citation needed]
Thantlang District
editThere are 9 Mara villages in the Thantlang District: Locheipi (Lungcawipi), Locheita (Luncawite), Ngephepi (Ngaphaipi), Ngepheta (Ngaphaite), Lodao (Inhmunpi), Meisakotla (Fartlang), Khipilu (Khuapilu), Lelai (Lailen) and La-ao (Lau).[citation needed]
Matupi District
editThere are several more Mara villages in the Matupi District, namely: Tylai, Lochei (Luncawi), Dawlei (Teikae), Fabau(Sabyh), Khihlo (Khihlo Vasaih), Lialaipi (Lailenpi), Lialaita (Lailente), Sosai (Sungsen), Poitia (Pintia), Aru, Taubu, Teina, Chakhai, Pamai, Satu, Pasei, New Pasei, Mala and Hlomâ.[citation needed]
History
editEarly migrations
editThe Mara people are believed to have migrated from the north[clarification needed], driven southward by pressure from the east. They initially settled between Leitak and Leisai, eventually crossing the Kaladan River and establishing a settlement in Phusa in the Lushai Hills. From Phusa, they moved to Beukhi, where two subgroups—the Siaha and Saiko Tlongsais—emerged, each establishing new settlements named Siaha and Serkawr, respectively. It is estimated that the Mara have been settled in the Lushai Hills for approximately 300 to 400 years.[a][7]
See also
editNotes
edit- ↑ Parry's book was published in 1924 and referred to the migration as occurring 200–300 years prior.
References
editCitations
edit- ↑ "Mizoram". 2011 Census of India. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. Retrieved 4 October 2024.
- ↑ Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Population Census 2011. Table ST-14: Scheduled tribe population by religious community (State/UT level), Mizoram - 2011
- ↑ Zohra, K. An Introductory Notes to Mara District of South Mizoram, India.
- ↑ Shakespear 1912, p. 213.
- ↑ Parry & Hutton 1932, p. 1.
- ↑ Tuck, H. N. (1896). The Chin Hills Vol. 1.
- ↑ Parry & Hutton 1932, p. 2.
Sources
edit- Shakespear, John (1912). The Lushei Kuki Clans. London: Macmillan and Company, limited.
- Parry, N.E; Hutton, J.E (1932). The Lakhers. London: Macmillan & Co, Limited. pp. 1–2.