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Selesih
Former settlement of the Mizo tribes From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Selesih (also known as Seleishih) was a village founded around c. 1740 by two brothers, Chief Chungnunga and Chief Lianlula. It eventually dispersed and consolidated Sailo rule in precolonial Mizoram.[1][2] In modern day, Mizoram, the site was established between Khawbung and Zawlsei (Champhai district), which is now under a football field.[3]
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Etymology
Selesih refers to "Sele" (wild mithun) and "Sih" (natural water spot).[1][2]
History
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Chungnunga and Lianlula were the two sons of Chief Sailova who crossed the Tiau river in the early 18th century after his death.[4] Under the village of Lianlula's son, Pu Kawla, the two chiefs established a joint settlement. Selesih was the largest Mizo settlement of the time in 1740 and functioned as a confederation of chiefs and tribes. This includes the five major tribes and the 12 minor tribes.{{}} The sons of Chungnunga (Lalhluma, Rohnaa and Lalchera) cooperated with Lianlula's sons (Pu Kawla, Darliankuala and Darpuiliana) to rule the settlement. Chungnunga and Lianlula would die in Selesih.[5] It is believed that Selesih is the second village of the same name after the Haka-Lusei War destroyed the first Selesih east of the Tiau river.[6]
Selesih consisted of 20 zawlbuks and seven villages under the joint chiefs. Mizo heroes such as Lianchia, Aihniara, Buizova Chula and Saichawmkhupa also resided in Selesih. It is estimated that Selesih boasted up to 7000 houses.[1]
Decline
It's been speculated that the scarcity of water and firewood led to the seven villages dispersing, thus dissolving Selesih in favour of a western migration. The Mizos who remained in the region were subject to taxation and tribute to the Pawi tribes, which was ended with the Thlanrawn Rawt under Chief Lallula.[1][7] The nature of jhumming also required regular migration to feed the population.[8]
The Thlanrawn massacre by Chief Lallula was estimated to have occurred c. 1753-1754. Fearing reprisal of the Pawi, Lallula and his followers left Selesih to establish his chiefdom of Zopui.[9]
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Legacy
The influence of Selesih saw the standardisation of the Duhlian dialect becoming a dominant language within the settlement. After Selesih, Lallula and other chiefs would expand across in Mizoram and establish the Lusei dialect as the lingua franca of the Lushai Hills.[10]
Chiefs
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References
Sources
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