Aizawl

Aizawl (, US: , UK: ; Mizo: ), formerly known as Aijal, is the capital city and the most populous city of Mizoram, India. It is also the third largest city in northeast India. It is situated atop a series of ridges, with an average elevation of around 1,132 metres (3,714 feet) above sea level. In 2024, the city has an estimated population of 415,000 people.

Having served as the capital of the British Lushai Hills from 1898 to 1947, colonial structures are prevalent in the city centre including but not limited to the Aijal Club, Raj Bhavan, the Red School, and the Office of the Deputy Commissioner. As the seat of the Government of Mizoram, Aizawl is home to the Assembly House. Additionally, Aizawl is part of the Smart Cities Mission, an initiative by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs aimed at urban development and infrastructure enhancement.

Etymology

The word ''Aizawl'' is a combination of two Mizo words: "ai" meaning "cardamom" and "zawl" meaning "flatland" or "plain." Therefore, "Aizawl" could roughly translate to "the field of cardamom." This name may have historical significance or could refer to the characteristics of the area before urbanisation.

History

Pre-colonialism (before 1889)

Before the British, Aizawl was a village founded by Chief Lalsavunga around 1810. When the British found the site it had been abandoned. During his reign at Aizawl, Lalsavunga summoned the properties of the Zadeng chiefs as a ransom for Ngurpuilala, the son of their chief Lalchungnunga. Lalsavunga freed the Zadeng bawi and gave them better rights. He lived in Aizawl around 1810–1820. Situated a mere 14 kilometres from Sairang and accessible via flat-bottomed boats, it served as a strategic location, with the Li Bial stream for the British to establish their headquarters.

Colonial Aijal (1889-1948)

In 1889, Officer Dally of the Assam Police, accompanied by 400 men, arrived in Aizawl village to assist Colonel Skinner's troops during a British military operation against the Mizo natives. Aizawl was subsequently chosen as the site for a fortified post on Dally's recommendation, leading Colonel Skinner to oversee its construction. The troops erected stockades and other essential structures, establishing a significant military presence in the area. In the same year, Fort Aijal was established, a small village that became the capital of British administration in North Lushai Hills.

Aijal was formally established on 25 February 1890 as Fort Aijal. However, the communication system was not too good as there were little to no roads. The Silchar-Aizawl road was 175 km long but not an all-weather road, which was improved. In 1896, Fort Aijal became the headquarters of the Lushai Hills Military Police Battalion. Water scarcity was the primary concern for the original fort along with a lack of telegraph infrastructure.

Fort Aijal would subsequently be attacked by Khalkam and the western Lushai chiefs, which would begin the Lushai Rising on 9 September 1890. After the murder of Captain H.R. Browne, the western Lushai chiefs besieged Fort Aijal. Fort Aijal was commanded by surgeon H.B Melville. A relief force under Lieutenant Swinton was brought via the Dhaleswari river but was ambushed which fatally lead to Swinton's death on 26 September. Fort Aijal would be liberated on 4 October, with credits going to Melville and Lieutenant H.W.G. Cole for their defence.

Aizawl swiftly emerged as the administrative and religious hub for the Mizos, following the establishment of the Welsh Mission Society headquarters in the city. This led to a surge in population as Aizawl Bazar evolved into the primary commercial center of the Lushai Hills region.

Contemporary Aizawl (1948–present)

Capital of Mizo District, Assam, India (1948–1972)

The once modest village, situated on a level hilltop, underwent rapid expansion, transforming into a rugged and uneven settlement. The intensification of the Mautam famine in the late 1950s prompted an influx of people seeking sustenance and opportunities, further fuelling Aizawl's growth. Nearby villages like Chaltlang and Durtlang soon became absorbed into the expanding urban landscape, marking the transition of Aizawl into a modern cityscape by the early 1960s.

1966 Mizo National Front Uprising

The expansion of Aizawl came to an abrupt halt in the mid-1960s due to the turmoil caused by the Mizo Independence Movement, spearheaded by the Mizo National Front (MNF), which engaged in open conflict with the Government of India. However, a pivotal and tragic event unfolded in Aizawl in March 1966, marking a dark chapter in its history.

In an effort to suppress the MNF's advances, on 5–6 March, the Government of India launched a devastating bombardment of Aizawl and its surrounding areas, resulting in significant loss of life. By this point, Aizawl had already been largely evacuated, with many seeking refuge in the nearby jungle. This unprecedented act of the Indian government, to conduct airstrikes in its own territory in urban areas, remains the first in Indian history.

Capital of Mizoram Union Territory (1972-1987)

Aizawl continued to be the capital of Mizoram after gaining the status of Union Territory. The UT status provided opportunities for economic growth and development in Aizawl. The city emerged as a key commercial and trade centre in the region, with Burmese ethnic Chin immigrants seeking better job opportunities in Aizawl.

Capital of State of Mizoram (1987–present)

Statehood provided Aizawl with enhanced access to resources, funding, and developmental schemes from the central government. This facilitated the implementation of infrastructure projects, such as Lengpui Airport, educational initiatives, healthcare programs, and poverty alleviation measures aimed at fostering socio-economic growth and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

On 25 May 2025, Chief Minister Lalduhoma raised the need for developing a new city in Mizoram at the Niti Aayog meeting, stressing that 80 per cent of the state's population lives in the capital Aizawl. Speaking at the meeting in New Delhi, he said Aizawl has become congested and he proposed Thenzawl in Serchhip district, about 93 km from Aizawl, as the site for the new city, which will be able to accommodate 10-15 lakh residents.

Geography and Climate

Geography

Aizawl lies at approximately 23°43′N, 92°43′E and is perched on the ridge of a hill at an average elevation of 1,132 meters (3,714 feet) above sea level. The topography features steep slopes, with elevations ranging from 60 meters to 1,509 meters, making the city a mix of rugged terrains. Aizawl is surrounded by lush greenery and is part of the Eastern Himalayan foothills.

Climate

The city is located at the north of the Tropic of Cancer in the northern part of Mizoram, with the Tlawng river valley to its west and the Tuirial river valley to its east. Aizawl experiences a humid subtropical climate (Cwa) under the Köppen classification. Summers are moderately warm with temperatures averaging between 20–30 °C (68–86 °F), while winters are cooler with temperatures ranging from 11–21 °C (52–70 °F). The city receives most of its rainfall from April to October, peaking in the months of May, July, August, and September. The remaining months are relatively dry. Aizawl is ranked second best city in India for having the 'cleanest air and best AQI' in 2024.

Civic Administration

Aizawl is administered by the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC), established in 2010 to oversee urban planning, sanitation, waste management, and infrastructure development within the city. The AMC consists of 19 elected members representing the city's wards, along with additional members appointed by the Governor of Mizoram. To promote gender representation, one-third of the total seats are reserved for women, with these reserved seats rotated every five years.

Each ward is managed by a Ward Committee, which is headed by the elected councillor of the ward. The committee also includes two members each from the local councils within the ward. The city comprises 78 local councils, representing the city's localities. Serving a term of five years, the councils work in close coordination with the AMC to address local governance and community issues.

Demographics

As per the 2011 Census of India, Aizawl recorded a population of 293,416, with females constituting 50.61% and males accounting for 49.39%. The sex ratio stands at 1,025 females per 1,000 males, reflecting a favourable balance. Among children aged 0–6 years, the child sex ratio is slightly lower, with 983 girls per 1,000 boys.

Religion

Christianity is the dominant religion, with 93.63% of the population adhering to it. Among the minority religions, Hinduism accounts for 4.14%, Islam 1.52%, Buddhism 0.45%, Sikhism 0.03%, and Jainism 0.02%. Additionally, 0.11% of the population did not specify their religious affiliation.

As of 1910, there were 777 army personnel in Aizawl from different parts of North India as well as Nepal. The Gurkha's among the soldiers eventually settled in Aizawl.

Media

Aizawl is home to regional and national television broadcasting. Channels such as Zonet Cable TV Pvt. Ltd., and LPS Vision Production offer state and national programs in Mizo while Doordarshan Aizawl offers both Mizo and English, reflecting the region’s bilingual character. Miss Mizoram, Mizo Idol, and the Ṭhazual Awards are led by Zonet.

Radio remains a popular medium in Aizawl. All India Radio (AIR) Aizawl broadcasts in Mizo, English, and occasionally in other regional languages, focusing on news, educational content, and cultural programs. FM radio stations like FM Zoawi and LPS FM are widely listened to, offering a mix of music, entertainment, and live shows.

Vanglaini, the leading daily newspaper in Mizoram, is a significant part of Aizawl’s print media landscape. Published entirely in the Mizo language, it serves as the primary source of local, regional, and national news for Mizoram's residents. The paper covers a wide range of topics, including politics, social issues, culture, education, and sports, while also offering editorials and opinion pieces reflective of the state’s unique perspectives.,

The major media in Aizawl in the Mizo and English languages are:

* Vanglaini,
* The Zozam Times
* The Aizawl Post.
* India Today NE
* Khawpui Aw
* Virthli
* The Mizoram Post
* Zoram Tlangau
* Mizo Arsi
* Zalen
* Zawlaidi
* Zozam Weekly
* Zoram Thlirtu
* Sakeibaknei
* Entlang

Lifestyle

Chapchar Kut, one of Mizoram's most cherished festivals, signals the arrival of spring and is celebrated with enthusiasm and grandeur. Held annually in March, it marks the completion of jhum (slash-and-burn) cultivation preparations. It is usually held on a mass scale at the Assam Rifles Parade ground (Lammual). On the roads, people would stand with a plate of boiled eggs and give it to passers-by, a pre-Christian tradition called Chhawnghnawh.

On Christmas, ''Kawnchei'' ( lit. 'junction decoration') is a centerpiece of life in Aizawl, led by the Aizawl Municipal Corporation. The ''Kawnchei'' tradition results in a festive glow with illuminated streets, decorated churches, and vibrant carol-singing. The spirit of the season is deeply rooted in family gatherings, sharing meals, and attending church services. Traditional Mizo dishes, often prepared during this time, add a culinary delight to the celebrations.

Transport

Air

Aizawl is connected by air transport through Lengpui Airport which it is situated near Aizawl. The airport provides connectivity to Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Shillong and Imphal, operated by Air India, Go First and IndiGo. A helicopter service by Pawan Hans was started in 2012 and connects the city with Lunglei, Lawngtlai, Saiha, Chawngte, Serchhip, Champhai, Kolasib, Khawzawl, Ngopa and Hnahthial.

Rail

Mizoram is connected to the national network by a railway up to Bairabi; the government has also begun constructing a broad gauge Bairabi Sairang Railway connection for better connectivity in the state.
223 km long "Aizawal- Hmawngbuchhuah railway line" to Mizoram's southern border with Myanmar has been completed.चीन की रूह कंपा देगा भारत, 3500 करोड़ में भूटान के अंदर तक बनाएगा नई रेल लाइन
MSN, 3 March 2025.

The Aizawl Monorail system was proposed in 2011, but as of 2024, it is still uncertain whether the project will proceed with implementation.

Education

The literacy rate in Aizawl city, as of the 2011 Census, is approximately 98.4%, one of the highest in India. This includes 99% literacy among males and 98% among females.

The education system in Aizawl includes primary, secondary, and higher education institutions. Aizawl also hosts Mizoram University, established in 2001, which offers diverse undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. The presence of specialised institutes like the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) further strengthens the city's academic infrastructure.

Pachhunga University College was among the earliest colleges founded in 1958. Aizawl College, the second oldest college in Aizawl City was established in the year 1975. Hrangbana College was established in 1980, located in Chanmari, Aizawl, it has 57 teaching staff with 22 non-teaching staff and more than 2,000 students in the commerce and arts departments. Mizoram University established in 2001 provides affiliation to all the colleges in Mizoram. Mizoram University also provides post-graduate education as well as B.Tech. education and other departments. ICFAI University, Mizoram located in Durtlang, Aizawl West College, Government Aizawl North College, J. Thankima College, Govt.Zirtiri Residential Science College also provides undergraduate courses. Mizoram Law College provides education to people who seek a profession in Law. Indian Institute of Mass Communication and National Institute of Technology Mizoram has already started operations. Zoram Medical College is inaugurated on 7 August 2018 in Falkawn.

Sports

Football is the most popular sport in Mizoram, with several footballers playing in national leagues in different parts of India. The professional football club of the city, Aizawl F.C, competes in the I-League. Some of the important sporting facilities in Aizawl are:
# Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, with a seating capacity of 20,000, is located at Mualpui in Aizawl.
# Hawla Indoor Stadium is the largest indoor stadium with basketball, badminton and boxing facilities.
# Lammual stadium is a single tier stadium. The stadium under construction will have a seating capacity of about 5,000 spectators.

Aizawl hosted the third edition of Xchange North East Youth NGO summit from 3 to 5 October 2018.

See also

* Aizawl FC
* Aizawl Monorail
* Advanced Research Centre for Bamboo and Rattan, Aizawl, Mizoram
* Aizawl Theological College
* Tourism in North East India

Notelist

References

External links

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Aizawl Official Website

Aizawl Municipal Corporation

Sources

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{{State and Union Territory capitals of India

Hill stations in Mizoram
Cities and towns in Aizawl district
Populated places established in 1890
Tourism in Northeast India
1890 establishments in India