 | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 42,885[1] (2011) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 India (Mizoram) Myanmar (Chin State) | |
| Languages | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity[2] |
TheMara (Mara Chin:Mara,pronounced[mərà];Burmese:မရာ,pronounced[mərà]), also historically known asLakher, are an ethnic group native toMizoram,India, andChin State,Myanmar.[3][better source needed]
While the community refers to themselves asMara, various exonyms have been used by neighboring tribes and colonial authorities. TheLushei referred to them asLakher. Early British records called themShendu before adopting the Lushei term.[4][5] They were also called "Yo" (Zo) by the British, presumably learned from the Lai.[6]
Maraland is divided between India and Myanmar, straddling the international border.
West Maraland lies inMizoram, India. It constitutes a distinct administrative region with its ownSiaha district and enjoys autonomy through theMara Autonomous District Council.[citation needed]
East Maraland is located inChin State, Myanmar. It is divided into two main districts:Thantlang District (locally known as "Chha Mara") andMatupi District ("Fei Mara").[citation needed]
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]
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]
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 theKaladan River and establishing a settlement in Phusa in theLushai Hills. From Phusa, they moved to Beukhi, where two subgroups—the Siaha and Saiko Tlongsais—emerged, each establishing new settlements namedSiaha and Serkawr, respectively.It is estimated that the Mara have been settled in the Lushai Hills for approximately 300 to 400 years.[a][7]
| Mizoram |  Naga woman | |
|---|---|---|
| Nagaland | ||
| Meghalaya | ||
| Arunachal Pradesh | ||
| Manipur | ||
| Tripura | ||
| Assam | ||
| Sikkim | ||
| Kuki tribes including: | ||
| Naga tribes including: | ||
