Mara people
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 112,000 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Mizoram, India | 70,000 (Approximately) |
| Chin State, Burma | 33,000 |
| Rakhine, Burma | 9,000 |
| Languages | |
| Mara Reih, Mizo, English, others | |
| Religion | |
| Christian (predominantly Evangelical) | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Mizo | |
The Mara people are the native inhabitants of Mizoram in India, native to northeastern India, primarily in the Mara Autonomous District Council of the state of Mizoram, where they form the majority of the population. Significant numbers of Maras are also found living south-eastern part of Burma, in Chin State and Rakhine State which border the district. They were earlier known as the Lakher by outsiders as Lusei called them by that name, and the new name Mara was inserted in List of Scheduled Tribes in Mizoram state in 1978 replacing the old name. The Maras were in early period known to the outside world under different tribal names such as Mara, Lakher, Shendu, Baungshelor Shendoo, Maring, Zyu or Zao/Zho, Tlosai, Khongzai, etc. They constitute a distinct tribal group lying in Saiha district of Mizoram. Some writers and historians included them as one of the Mizo tribes/clans. They called themselves "Maras"
Mara has at least 5 dialects, they are:
These are all the Mara dialects and sub-clans, not only India's Mara.
The Mara language is a language related to Tibeto-Burman family. It is spoken by Mara people who live in a contiguous area in Mizoram state, India and Chin state, Myanmar. Mara is also closely related to other Mizo and Chin languages widely spoken in the area.
Mara people in India have an autonomous body i.e. Mara Autonomous District Council, the local governing body for the region, it is centred at Saiha, main town of the Siaha District of Mizoram. The Maraland Democratic Front, the Mizo National Front and the Indian National Congress are the most active political parties on the council.
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Wikipedia