Mara people
Ethnic group of India and Myanmar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Mara (Mara Chin: Mara, pronounced [mərà]; Burmese: မရာ, pronounced [mərà]), also historically known as Lakher, are an ethnic group native to Mizoram, India, and Chin State, Myanmar.[3][better source needed]
| |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 42,885[1] (2011) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 India (Mizoram)  Myanmar (Chin State) | |
| Languages | |
| Religion | |
 Christianity[2] |
Ethnonyms
While the community refers to themselves as Mara, various exonyms have been used by neighboring tribes and colonial authorities. The Lushei referred to them as Lakher. Early British records called them Shendu before adopting the Lushei term.[4][5] They were also called "Yo" (Zo) by the British, presumably learned from the Lai. [6]
Geography
Maraland is divided between India and Myanmar, straddling the international border.
West Maraland
West Maraland lies in Mizoram, India. It constitutes a distinct administrative region with its own Siaha district and enjoys autonomy through the Mara Autonomous District Council.[citation needed]
East Maraland
East Maraland is located in Chin State, Myanmar. It is divided into two main districts: Thantlang District (locally known as "Chha Mara") and Matupi District ("Fei Mara").[citation needed]
Thantlang District
There are 9 Mara villages in the Thantlang District: Locheipi (Lungcawipi), Locheita (Luncawite), Ngephepi (Ngaphaipi), Ngepheta (Ngaphaite), Lodao (Inhmunpi), Meisakotla (Fartlang), Khipilu (Khuapilu), Lelai (Lailen) and La-ao (Lau).[citation needed]
Matupi District
There are several more Mara villages in the Matupi District, namely: Lochei (Luncawi), Dawlei (Darling), Sabyta (Sabongte), Sabypi (Sabongpi), Lialaipi (Lailenpi), Lialaita (Lailente), Sosai (Sungsen), Poitia (Pintia), and many more.[citation needed]
History
Early migrations
The Mara people are believed to have migrated from the north[clarification needed], driven southward by pressure from the east. They initially settled between Leitak and Leisai, eventually crossing the Kaladan River 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.[a][7]
Notes
- Parry's book was published in 1924 and referred to the migration as occurring 200–300 years prior.