Aizawl
Aizawl (English: /aɪˈzɔːl/;[5] Mizo: [ˈaɪ̯.ˈzɔːl] ), formerly known as Aijal, is the capital city and the most populous city of Mizoram, India.[6] It is also the third largest city in northeast India, after Guwahati and Agartala.[7][8] It is situated atop a series of ridges, with an average elevation of around 1,132 metres (3,714 feet) above sea level.[9] In 2024, the city has an estimated population of 405,000 people.[3][10]
This article is about the capital city of Mizoram, India. For its namesake district, see Aizawl district.
Etymology[edit]
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.[11]
History[edit]
Pre-colonialism (before 1889)[edit]
In 1871–72, Kalkhama (recorded by the British as Kalkhom), a Mizo Chief, exhibited disorderly behavior, prompting the British to establish an outpost. This outpost, initially founded by Suakpuilala, the Chief of Reiek, later evolved into Aizawl village. Situated a mere 14 kilometress from Sairang and accessible via flat-bottomed boats, it served as a strategic location, with the Li Bial stream.[12]
Colonial Aijal (1889-1948)[edit]
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.[13]
Aijal was formally established on 25 February 1890 as Fort Aijal.[14]
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.[13]
