Islam is a minority religion in Mizoram, a state in northeastern India, where it constitutes approximately 1.35%(14,832) of the total population, according to the 2011 Census.[1] The Muslim community in Mizoram is diverse, with ethnic groups such as the Assamese, Bengali, a small local converts , This article explores the demographics, cultural integration, challenges faced by the Muslim community, and their contributions to the state's social fabric.
History
The advent of Islam in Mizoram dates to the late nineteenth century, when Muslim soldiers serving under the British colonial forces arrived during the Lushai Expedition (1871–1872 and 1889–1890). A number of sepoys who accompanied the expeditionary troops were of Muslim background, marking the first recorded presence of Islam in the region.[2]
Although their numbers remained small, the continued military presence, migration of traders from present-day Assam and Bengal, and later government employment contributed to the gradual settlement of Muslims in Mizoram throughout the twentieth century. The population of the community expanded slowly but consistently, forming small clusters across what became the districts of the modern state.[2]
Culture
Muslims in Mizoram celebrate Eid al-Fitr at the high school ground in Zarkawt, Aizawl, which is 15 minutes away from the Aijwal Mosque[a]. The ground is near a church, showing harmony between the Christians and Muslims of Mizoram.[4][5][6]
Quran is also Translated in Mizo languages.[7]
Demographics
The Significant population of Muslims in Mizoram are Bengali, and Assamese living in northern Mizoram districts of Kolasib and Mamit where there are five mosques[8] and there is also small community of khasi people who follow Islam.[9]
- Scheduled Tribes (29.0%)
- other Muslims (71.0%)
Muslim population by district
| District[11] | Percent | Popul. |
|---|---|---|
| Aizawl | 1.31% | 5,177 |
| Champhai | 0.56% | 483 |
| Kolasib | 5.27% | 4,426 |
| Lawngtlai | 0.44% | 552 |
| Lunglei | 0.80% | 1,164 |
| Mamit | 2.06% | 1,782 |
| Saiha | 0.91% | 514 |
| Serchhip | 0.52% | 335 |
Muslim population by Tribal Groups
| Tribe Name | Total Muslims |
|---|---|
| All Schedule Tribes | 4,209 |
| Chakma | 183 |
| Dimasa Kachari | 99 |
| Garo | 20 |
| Hmar | 142 |
| Any Kuki Tribes | 205 |
| Any Mizo (Lushai) tribes | 3,168 |
| Any Naga tribes | 27 |
| Pawi | 158 |
| Paite | 109 |
| Generic Tribes etc. | 65 |
See also
References
- ^ The Aijal Mosque, established in 1909, is the only mosque in Aizawl and the oldest mosque in Mizoram[3]
- ^ a b "C-01: Population by religious community, Mizoram - 2011". Census Department, Government of India. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
- ^ a b Chakravarty 2020, p. 89.
- ^ ""As it is a mandatory in Mizoram, we must make sure that during your stay in Mizoram you should hold a valid ILP," - Md. Mamon Majumdar". EXPLORE MIZORAM - Mizoram's Most Trusted Website | Mizoram's Online Encyclopedia. 2025-06-07. Archived from the original on 3 Oct 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-03.
- ^ Fanai, Ezrela Dalidia (August 12, 2019). "Muslims offer namaz near church in Christian-majority Mizoram". EastMojo.
- ^ Verghese, C. G. (1997). A History of the Mizos. Vikas Publishing House. p. 26. ISBN 978-81-259-0307-9.
- ^ "India - ST-14: Scheduled tribe population by religious community (State/UT level), Mizoram - 2011". censusindia.gov.in. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ^ Gajrani, S. (2004). History, Religion and Culture of India. Gyan Publishing House. p. 239. ISBN 978-81-8205-065-5.
- ^ Chakravarty 2020, p. 89, 93.
- ^ Dikshit, K. R.; Dikshit, Jutta K. (21 October 2013). "The People of Meghalaya". North-East India: Land, People and Economy. Springer Science+Business Media. p. 361.
- ^ a b Source:Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Population Census 2011. Table ST-14: Scheduled tribe population by religious community (State/UT level), Mizoram - 2011
- ^ "Mizoram Religion Data - Census 2011". www.census2011.co.in. Archived from the original on 2016-04-03. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- Chakravarty, Ankita (2020), Tribal Atlas Mizoram (PDF), Aizawl, Mizoram: Social Welfare & Tribal Affairs Department, Government of Mizoram, archived (PDF) from the original on 2025-11-04
- Ahmed, Syed (2003). Islam in North-East India: 17th to the 19th Century (PDF). School of Social Sciences (Ph.D. thesis). Supervisor: Yogesh Sharma. Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru University. p. 237. hdl:10603/16737. Archived from the original on 2025-11-18. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
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