Buddhism in Mizoram
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Buddhism is the second largest religion in the Indian State of Mizoram. It is followed by 8.51% of its population. There are 93411 Buddhists in Mizoram.[1] Most of the Buddhists in Mizoram are Chakmas [2] Most of them live in the autonomous region called Chakma Autonomous District Council and follow the Theravada branch of Buddhism.[3]
An archaeological study in 2023 discovered 8th century CE Hindu and Buddhist-influenced sculptures at Kolalian village in the Mamit district.[4]
The Chakma people, who mainly follow Buddhism, have been in the state for centuries. In 1960s many Chakmas from the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh migrated to the Mizoram and other neighbouring Indian states after their lands were submerged by the filling of Kaptai dam. Some also migrated to Mizoram to escape from religious persecution in Bangladesh. In 1972, when Mizoram became a State, the Centre government granted the Chakmas tribes autonomy by creating Chakma Autonomous District Council.[5]