Lushai
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Lushais are a tribe native to Mizoram, in Northeast India. They are one of the three main subgroups of the Mizos. The other two subgroups are the Pawis or Lais and the Lakhers or Mara.
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[edit] The Name
There have been many speculations as to what the name means. It was first interpreted as 'head-cutters' ('lu' meaning head and 'shai' meaning cutter). Others believe that it means 'long-headed', as they believe that it is actually 'lushei' and not 'lushai'('shei' means long). This name seems more probable at the time, pertaining to the fact that the Lushai people tie their hair in knots at the back of their heads.
[edit] Physical Features
The Lushai people are usually described as "short, sturdy and heavy people of Mongolian type." The average height of men was usually between 162 cm and 170 cm. The average women's height ranged from 140 cm to 160 cm. Their skin complexion varied between dark brown to light yellow.
[edit] Religious Practices and Influence
The Lushai tribe, being one of the major subgroups of the Mizos, influenced many other neighbouring, smaller clans. Some examples of such tribes are the Fanai, the Ralte, the Paite and the Rangte.
Presently about 87 percent of the population (including all ethnic Mizos) are Christian. The major Christian denominations are Presbyterian[1], Baptist Church of Mizoram[2], Salvation Army, Seventh-day Adventist[3], Evangelical Church of Maraland (ECM), Congregational Church of India (Maraland) in the southern district of Saiha Roman Catholic and Pentecostal. The Chakma practice Buddhism.
In recent generations a small group of Mizo have claimed themselves as Jews; see Bnei Menashe.
[edit] Language
Several languages are spoken in the Lushai hills. However, the main one spoken is Lushai. Other languages of the Kuki-Chin group were Zahao, Lakher, Hmar, Paite, Lai and Ralte. Many of the smaller clans' people communicate amongst each other through their tribe's own language but usually speak Lushai with outsiders. Lushai is commonly now known as Mizo language. Welsh Missionaries reduced their language to a written form in 1890s using Roman alphabet.
[edit] Also read
[edit] Criticism of WebIndia123.com description of Lushai
WebIndia.com's description of Lushai is regarded by many critics very unsatisfactory and earlier entry in this page thus stated, "Lushai is only a spoken language and do not have written form." In Mizoram University and Northeastern Hills University (NEHU) Lushai is taught and one can obtain Bachelor and even Master's degree using Lushai(Mizo).
