Champhai

This article is about the municipality in Mizoram, India. For its namesake district, see Champhai district.

Champhai
Town
Nickname: 
Rice Bowl of Mizoram
Champhai is located in Mizoram
Champhai
Champhai
Champhai is located in India
Champhai
Champhai
Coordinates: 23°27′22″N 93°19′44″E / 23.456°N 93.329°E / 23.456; 93.329
CountryIndia
StateMizoram
DistrictChamphai
Government
 • TypeDistrict Administration
 • BodyOffice of the Deputy Commissioner, Champhai
Area
 • Total10 km2 (4 sq mi)
Elevation
1,678 m (5,505 ft)
Population
 (2023)
 • Total44,000
 • Density4,400/km2 (11,000/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialMizo
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
796321
Telephone code03831
Vehicle registrationMZ-04
ClimateSubtropical highland
Websitechamphai.nic.in
Champhai, Mizoram, from south, with Zotlang in the foreground. Taken from Ruantlang, across the Champhai Valley, with the town of Champhai stretched along the hill in the distance and the village of Zotlang in the foreground.
Champhai, Mizoram, from south, with Zotlang in the foreground. Taken from Ruantlang, across the Champhai Valley, with the town of Champhai stretched along the hill in the distance and the village of Zotlang in the foreground.

Champhai is the third largest town in Mizoram,[1] northeast India and is one of the oldest settlements founded by the Mizo people, that initially served as a capital for the Hmar dynasty.[2] Located near the India–Myanmar border facilitates cross-border trade, it serves as a hub for trade and commerce in the region.

Unlike most urban places in Mizoram, Champhai is situated in a valley and on top of a small hill. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,678 meters (5,505 feet) above sea level. It had an estimated population of 44,000 in 2023.

History

[edit]

Champhai was the headquarters of Lalbura Sailo, son of Vanhnuailiana, a Mizo Chief against whom the British Expedition of 1871–72 was directed. It was accorded the status of a fort during the British period.[3] The Champhai Valley was once a lake and was gradually silted to obliterate the lake. The soil of the plain was still uncultivated during the Lushai Expedition of 1872.[4] Irrigated rice cultivation started in Champhai in the year 1898 encouraged by the British Colonial Authorities to supply rice for their soldiers and laborers. As of 1922, there was only 1 shop in Champhai.[5] On 1 March 1966, the MNF declared unilateral Mizo Independence and attacked Assam Rifles post at Champhai.[6]

Governance

[edit]

As with all other districts, general administration of all aspects of polity and economy are headed by the Deputy Commissioner(DC) of the district. All district level Government undertakings including the police are under the purview of the DC. The current (2023) DC of Champhai District is James Lalrinchhana, a senior officer of the Mizoram Civil Services.[7]

In law enforcement, the DC is assisted largely by the Superintendent of Police (SP) who is the district head of all policing matters in the district. He/she functions closely with the Deputy Commissioner and reports to the DC on all law enforcement related matters of the district. The current (2023) DC of Champhai District is Lalrinpuia Varte, a senior officer of the Mizoram Police Service.[8]

Economy

[edit]

The economy of Champhai is mainly agriculture and border trade. Champhai is also the main trading centre of Mizoram with goods like clothes, silverware and electronics imported from Myanmar[9] through the trading post in Zokhawthar.[10]

Media

[edit]

The Major Media in Champhai are:[11]

  • Lenrual
  • Pasaltha
  • Rihlipui
  • CCN (Digital TV Operator)
  • LCN (Digital TV Operator)

Transport

[edit]

A helicopter service by Pawan Hans[12] has been started which connects the Aizawl with Champhai.[13] The distance between Champhai and Aizawl is 194 km and is connected with regular service of bus and maxi cab.[14]

References

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  1. ^ https://www.citypopulation.de/en/india/mizoram/ [bare URL]
  2. ^ https://champhai.nic.in/history/ [bare URL]
  3. ^ K. C. Kabra (2008). Economic Growth of Mizoram: Role of Business & Industry. Concept Publishing Company. ISBN 9788180695186.
  4. ^ Woodthorpe, RG (August 2012). The Lushai Expedition. Hardpress. pp. 277–278. ISBN 9781290939966.
  5. ^ The Camera as Witness. Cambridge University Press. 13 April 2015. p. 173. ISBN 9781107073395.
  6. ^ Sharma, Sushil Kumar. Lessons from Mizoram Insurgency and Peace Accord 1986. Vivekananda Foundation. p. 4.
  7. ^ "New Champhai DC joins office". Directorate of Information and Public Relations. 5 April 2022. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  8. ^ "Senior Police Officers in Mizoram". Mizoram Police. 26 April 2023. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  9. ^ "TRADE AND COMMERCE". CIC. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2012.
  10. ^ "Miz poised for border trade boom". The Sangai Express. Retrieved 29 August 2012.[permanent dead link‍]
  11. ^ "Accredited Journalists". DIPR Mizoram. Archived from the original on 19 June 2013. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
  12. ^ "MIZORAMA HELICOPTER SERVICE TUR CHIEF MINISTER IN HAWNG". Mizoram DIPR. Archived from the original on 12 December 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
  13. ^ "Nilaini atangin 'Helicopter Service". The Zozam Times. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  14. ^ "Aizawl to Champhai". Mizoram NIC. Retrieved 29 August 2012.
[edit]
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Champhai.
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