The Mara (, ; , ), also historically known as ''Lakher'', are an ethnic group native to
Mizoram
Mizoram is a states and union territories of India, state in northeastern India, with Aizawl as its Capital city, capital and largest city. It shares 722-kilometres (449 miles) of international borders with Bangladesh to the west, and Myanmar t ...
, India, and
Chin State
Chin State (, ) is a state in western Myanmar. Chin State is bordered by Sagaing Division and Magway Division to the east, Rakhine State to the south, the Chattogram Division of Bangladesh to the west, and the Indian states of Mizoram to th ...
, Myanmar.
Ethnonyms
While the community refers to themselves as Maras, various exonyms have been used by neighbouring tribes and colonial authorities. The
Lushei referred to them as ''Lakher''. Early British records called them ''Shendu'' before adopting the Lushei term.
Geography
Maraland is divided between India and Myanmar, straddling the international border.
West Maraland
West Maraland lies in
Mizoram
Mizoram is a states and union territories of India, state in northeastern India, with Aizawl as its Capital city, capital and largest city. It shares 722-kilometres (449 miles) of international borders with Bangladesh to the west, and Myanmar t ...
, India. It constitutes a distinct administrative region with its own
Siaha district and enjoys autonomy through the
Mara Autonomous District Council.
East Maraland
East Maraland is located in
Chin State
Chin State (, ) is a state in western Myanmar. Chin State is bordered by Sagaing Division and Magway Division to the east, Rakhine State to the south, the Chattogram Division of Bangladesh to the west, and the Indian states of Mizoram to th ...
, Myanmar. It is divided into two main areas:
Thantlang District (locally known as "Chha Mara") and
Matupi District ("Fei Mara").
History
Early migrations
The Mara people are believed to have migrated from the north, driven southward by pressure from the east. They initially settled between Leitak and Leisai, eventually crossing the
Kaladan River
The Kaladan (, ) or Kissapanadi River (, ), also known as the Beino, Bawinu and Kolodyne, is a river in the eastern Mizoram, Mizoram State of India, and in Chin State and Rakhine State of western Myanmar. The Kaladan River is called the Chhimtuip ...
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.
Notes
References
External links
Chakhei.com: The first town portal in MaralandThe history of the Mara people on maraland.net
{{Authority control
Kuki tribes
Scheduled Tribes of India
Ethnic groups in India
Ethnic groups in Myanmar