Laimi | |
|---|---|
| Total population | |
| ~170,000 (as of 1991) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Languages | |
| Lai holh,Hakha holh (CentralKuki-Chin languages) | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity (majority),Buddhism(Minority) Formerly: Animism[1] | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Chin people,Mizo people,Mara people,Bawm people, otherKuki-Chin groups | |
Estimated population from Lalthangliana (2001) |
TheLai people[a] (also referred to as thePawi people in India)[2][b] primarily inhabit the southern part of theChin Hills in Myanmar’sChin State, particularly in the townships ofFalam,Thantlang, andHakha.[2] In India, they are also found in theLawngtlai district ofMizoram, where they are governed by theLai Autonomous District Council. Outside this region, they are scattered across Mizoram and parts ofManipur. Their languages—Lai holh andHakha holh—are classified under CentralKuki-Chin languages.[4] The Lai peoples are predominantly Christian.[5]
The totalpopulation of the Lai people was estimated to be around 170,000 in 1991.[6] The term "Laimi" often refers specifically to Chin people living in Central Chin State, includingHakha,Thantlang, andFalam.[7]
Lai communities are also found outside Myanmar—in Mizoram (particularly Khuafo and Thlantlang/Tuichhak Pawih), the Chin Hills (Hakha Township, Thantlang Township, Webulah, Zokhua, Keiphaw, Falam Township), and parts ofBangladesh, where they are sometimes identified asBawm people (Bawmzo, Bawmlai, Panghawi, Ramthar, and Sunthla).
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The Lai of theLai Autonomous District Council in Mizoram are a subgroup of the broader Lai population found in Myanmar and neighboring regions. They share common ancestry with several tribes ofNortheast India. Oral tradition holds that the Lai once lived in China before migrating through the Tibetan mountains into theChin Hills of Burma, from where some migrated into Mizoram in the early 18th century or earlier.
Some traditions claim the Lai are descendants of theQin dynasty. British colonial records used the term "Shendoo" or "Shendu" to refer to groups like theLakher (now known as theMara), who are believed to be offshoots of the Lai. F. Chhawnmanga, a retired District Adult Education Officer in Mizoram, conducted interviews with Lakher chiefs who identified their lineage as stemming from Lai families in Hakha. For example, the chief Kilkhara of Saiha and Tawngliana of Serkawr traced their ancestry to the Hlawnchhing family.
Vumson, a historian, supported this connection, noting that the Mara and Lai share similar customs, languages, and clan names such as Hlawnchhing, Chinzah, Bawikhar, Khenglawt, and Thianhlun. Other groups such as theBawm and the Tlanglau, living in western Mizoram and Bangladesh, also share linguistic and cultural similarities with the Lai.
Chin National Day is celebrated annually on 20 February, commemorating the General Assembly of Chinland held in 1948.[8] The first Chin National Day was celebrated in Mindat in 1951 and attended byU Nu, Burma’s first Prime Minister.[9]
Celebrations include traditional dances such as Ruakhatlak, Khuang Cawi, Sarlamkai, Rallu lam, fashion shows, beauty pageants, and wrestling (Laipaih). The most notable Laipaih wrestler is Rung Lian Ceu from Chuncung village, now residing in the United States.[10]
There are many distinct styles of traditional clothing among Chin subgroups, including Matupi, Hakha, Htantlang, Falam, Zophei, Zotung, and Mindat. Most traditional garments feature red and black, with accessories like necklaces, bracelets, and hairpins. These are worn on special occasions such as Chin National Day, the Tho (Chin New Year), Sundays, Christmas, and weddings.[11]
Handshakes are the common form of greeting in Chin culture.
Popular sports among the Laimi include traditional Chin wrestling (Laipaih), football (soccer), and volleyball.
Tho is the Chin harvest and New Year festival, celebrated in October.
| Mizoram |  Naga woman | |
|---|---|---|
| Nagaland | ||
| Meghalaya | ||
| Arunachal Pradesh | ||
| Manipur | ||
| Tripura | ||
| Assam | ||
| Sikkim | ||
| Kuki tribes including: | ||
| Naga tribes including: | ||