The Capital City of Mizroam is Aizawl, it is also the largest city in Mizoram. It was established in 1890 and is situated north of the Tropic of Cancer. Furthermore, it is the most populous city of Mizoram which is a state in northeastern India. Additionally, Aizawl’s name comes from the Mizo language, combining “ai” for ‘cardamom’ and “zawl” for ‘flatland.’ By now you must have already translated the meaning of it. This means “field of cardamom” and might reflect the area’s past or the landscape before it became a city. Let us now dig deeper into the Capital City of Mizoram, Aizawl.
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A Brief Overview of Aizawl
Aizawl is a city where Christianity reigns supreme, with Presbyterians forming the largest Christian group. Moreover, the 2011 census showed a near-equal split between men and women. Interestingly, football is a sport that truly unites the people in Aizawl.
Overview of Aizawl | |
Aizawl | The scenic capital of Mizoram |
Location | 3715 feet from sea level |
Importance | Religious and cultural center of the Mizos |
Climate | Summer: Max 30°C Min 20°CWinter: Max 21°C Min 11°CRainfall: 3000 mm |
Altitude | 1132 metres or 3715 feet |
Best time to visit | October to March |
Languages | Mizo, English |
What is the History of Aizwal?
Aizawl’s history begins in 1890 as a British military outpost called Fort Aijal.
- After a tribal uprising, the British decided to solidify their presence and established Aizawl as the administrative centre for the Mizo Hills.
- Furthermore, the arrival of the Welsh Mission Society not only brought Christianity but also increased Aizawl’s growth as a religious and commercial hub.
- After Indian independence, Aizawl became a part of the state of Assam. However, the Mizo wish for freedom led to a revolution in the 1960s.
- The creation of the Mizoram Union Territory in 1972 secured Aizawl’s position as the capital and powered its development into a key regional trade centre.
Demography of Aizawl
As of 2024, the Capital City of Mizoram, Aizawl has a a population of around 405,000.
- Interestingly, the city has a balanced gender ratio with a little more females than males.
- Moreover, the literacy rate is 91.33%, hence being extremely high.
- Aizawl’s ethnicity is mostly Mizo, with Christianity being the religion practised by over 90% of the residents.
- However, smaller communities with diverse faiths like Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism also contribute to the city’s culture.
Also Read: What is the Capital City of Bihar?
Geography of Aizawl
Aizawl rests on a ridge system and has an average elevation of around 3,715 feet.
- Moreover, this elevation gives Aizawl a cooler climate than the surrounding lowlands.
- Two valleys are on the sides of the city, with the Tlawng Valley to the west and the Tuirial Valley to the east.
- Interestingly, Aizawl’s location is north of the Tropic of Cancer which means that it has a subtropical climate with separate wet and dry seasons.
Economy of Aizawl
The Capital City of Mizoram, Aizawl’s economic identity is a growing hub with a strong services sector.
- While agriculture and in particular Jhum (which is slash-and-burn) cultivation is practised.
- Aizawl’s economy flourishes on trade and tourism.
- Moreover, the city is a centre for commerce and has shops and businesses dealing in different goods.
- Furthermore, Aizawl profits from Mizoram’s focus on horticulture and bamboo products, thus yielding revenue from handicrafts and exports.
Culture of Aizawl
The culture and tradition of the Mizo people make up the culture of Aizawl. They are known for their warmth and impressive handicraft skills.
- As you already know, Christianity is the prevalent religion which also influences social norms and celebrations.
- Being agriculturists as well, festivals like Chapchar Kut and Pawl Kut are centred around the harvest season.
- Additionally, traditional dances like the Chheihlam and Khuallam are energetic and colourful and are usually accompanied by music played on bamboo instruments.
- The Capital City of Mizoram’s artistic side is noticeable in its textiles and bamboo work, hence displaying influences from neighbouring countries like China, Burma, and Tibet.
Also Read: What is the Capital City of Maharastra?
Facts About Aizwal the Capital City of Mizoram
Well! Now that you already know about the basics of the Capital City of Mizoram, let us move forward to some interesting facts about Aizawl.
- Government jobs are the main source of income for the residents of Aizawl.
- Moreover, Aizawl is known for its scenic beauty as it is nestled in the mountains.
- The local cuisine of Aizawl features dishes like bamboo shoot curry and smoked fish.
- The traditional attire of Mizoram is the lungi and phua for men and the puan for women which can be commonly seen in Aizawl.
- Lastly, music and dance are deeply ingrained into the Mizo culture.
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FAQs
The old name of Mizoram was the Lushai Hills District of Assam.
Aizawl is the largest city as well as the capital of the state of Mizoram in India.
The capital of Mizoram is Aizwal and the language of Mizoram is Mizo.
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