Encyclopaedia of Mizoram

Origin of the Mizos

The origin of the Mizos, like those of many other tribes in the North Eastern India, is shrouded in mystery. The generally accepted theory is that they are part of a great Mongoloid wave of migration from China and later moved out to India to their present habitat. It is possible that the Mizos came from Shinlung or Chhinlungsan located on the banks of the river Yalung in China. They first settled in the Shan State and moved on to Kabaw Valley to Khampat and then to the Chin hills in the middle of the 16th century. History often varies from legends. But the story of the Mizos getting out into the open from the nether world through a rock opening is now part of the Mizo fable. Chhinlung, however, is taken by some as the Chinese city of Sinlung or Chinlingsang situated close on the Sino-Burmese border. The book is an asset for all scholars, researchers, teachers, students, and of course, the general readers.