Mara people

Not to be confused with the Marra people of Australia.

The Mara (Mara Chin: Mara, pronounced [mərà]; Burmese: မရာ, pronounced [mərà]), also historically known as Lakher, are an ethnic group native to Mizoram, India, and Chin State, Myanmar.^{[2][better source needed]}

Mara people (Lakher)

Total population
42,885[1] (2011)
Regions with significant populations
India (Mizoram) Myanmar (Chin State)
Languages
Mara Maraic languages Mizo Burmese
Religion
Christianity

Ethnonyms

While the community refers to themselves as Maras, various exonyms have been used by neighbouring tribes and colonial authorities. The Lushei referred to them as Lakher. Early British records called them Shendu before adopting the Lushei term.^[3][4]

Geography

Maraland is divided between India and Myanmar, straddling the international border.

West Maraland

West Maraland lies in Mizoram, India. It constitutes a distinct administrative region with its own Siaha district and enjoys autonomy through the Mara Autonomous District Council.

East Maraland

East Maraland is located in Chin State, Myanmar. It is divided into two main areas: Thantlang District (locally known as "Chha Mara") and Matupi District ("Fei Mara").

History

Early migrations

The Mara people are believed to have migrated from the north, driven southward by pressure from the east. They initially settled between Leitak and Leisai, eventually crossing the Kaladan River and establishing a settlement in Phusa in the Lushai Hills. From Phusa, they moved to Beukhi, where two subgroups—the Siaha and Saiko Tlongsais—emerged, each establishing new settlements named Siaha and Serkawr, respectively. It is estimated that the Mara have been settled in the Lushai Hills for approximately 300 to 400 years.^[a][5]

Notes

1. Parry's book was published in 1924 and referred to the migration as occurring 200–300 years prior.