Cultural Revitalization and the Experience of Revival Movement in Mizoram (1906-1937)

Abstract

The establishment of colonial rule in Mizoram since 1890 and the advent of Christianity in 1894 marked the beginning of a new era for the Mizos. In a short span of time, the people experienced overwhelming changes which affect all aspects of the Mizo life and turned their ‘world upside down’. Yet, the Mizos refused to be passive observer but assert their resistance through the revival movement that led to the so called ‘indigenization of Christianity’ in Mizoram. Though it was a religious movement, the people’s response swerved it from its primary objective and turned it to a movement which soothe the deep mental longing of the people. It was through the revival movement in Christianity that the Mizos laid their claim for their space in the new politicosocial and cultural set up.