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Lungleng Lal In: The Residence Of Mizo Chief, Khamliana Sailo
Nestled among lush foliage on the southernmost point of northeastern India is Mizoram, a paradise for those who enjoy the natural world. This landlocked state is renowned for its rich history, diverse wildlife, and lively culture.
Mizoram boasts of a rich cultural heritage with Lungleng Lal In being one of Aizawl's most well-known landmarks. This century-old house in the Lungleng village, Aizawl was home to the illustrious Mizo Chief Khamliana Sailo. As the first literate Mizo resident in the Lushai hills and the first Mizo Chief to write a letter to the British missionaries, Khamliana Sailo was a pioneer of Mizo society.
The name Lungleng Lal In loosely translates to, ‘Residence of the ruler of Lungleng.’ Image Source: S.Lalbiaklala
Rear view of the residence. Image Source: Lalzui Tluanga
Khamliana was born at Thelep village in 1859 to Lalngura, son of the wealthiest and most accomplished Sailo (clan) Chief, Savunga. As a young boy Khamliana witnessed the atrocities that the British inflicted on his family, which made him grow to become a very watchful and obedient teenager. He was only 15 years old when he was named as his father’s heir to the Chieftainship.
In an effort to familiarise himself with the realm of colonial diplomacy, Khamliana would regularly accompany his grandfather, Chief Suvanga to various fairs and events hosted by British officials. He believed that despite the Lushais' ongoing resistance against British domination, they ought to foster good diplomatic relations with the colonisers. With this intention, he approached the British authorities by offering his assistance as a guide and interpreter. And by the time Khamliana became the Chief, he was an important peace envoy for the numerous Lushai Chiefs and the British.
In 1889, Khamliana was given the opportunity to meet with the Viceroy Lansdowne in Calcutta. For his diplomatic efforts, he was awarded the sovereignty to establish six villages around present day Aizawl, Lungdar, Hreichhuk, Arte, Khawrihmn, Khawchete, and Lungleng. Khamliana chose to live in Lungleng, where he undertook initiatives to make the village economy self-sufficient by introducing innovative agricultural and horticultural ventures. Khamliana was also the first Mizo to grow potato as a crop, a vegetable that has become a staple in contemporary Mizo cuisine.
Late 19th century marked the beginning of his association with Christianity as he became one among the first three Lushais to be educated by missionaries. During this time, he also helped the missionaries to translate the Christian holy books into the local Lushai language. Among the translated texts were the Gospels of Luke and John. With Mizoram’s population being 87.1% Christian today (2011 census), these early efforts of Khamliana Sailo proved to have been a turning point in Mizo history.
In 1923, for Khamliana Sailo’s efforts to uplift the standard of living of those entrusted to his care and his administration's progressive policies, the colonial British Government honoured him with the Kaiser-i-Hind medal.
Today, the Lungleng Lal In is being repurposed and used for various activities like conducting heritage walks, hosting cultural festivals, seminars, and workshops. It falls under the list of State Protected Monuments as reported by the Archaeological Survey of India, Mizoram.This heritage site, with its wide area of lush green and soft grassy glades, also makes for a pleasant picnic spot for the locals.
Backyard of Lungleng Lal In has a few inscriptions about Chief Khamliana’s achievements. Image Source: Lalzui Tluanga
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