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.
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).[2] A number of sepoys who accompanied the expeditionary troops were of Muslim background, marking the first recorded presence of Islam in the region.Template:Sfn[3]
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.Template:Sfn
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.Template:Efn 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
| Year | (Pop.) | (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1951 | ~1,200 | ~0.6 |
| 1961 | ~1,500 | ~0.6 |
| 1971 | 1,200 | 0.40 |
| 1981 | 1,500 | 0.35 |
| 1991 | 2,000 | 0.30 |
| 2001 | 10,000 | 1.01 |
| 2011 | 14,832 | 1.35 |
The Significant population of Muslims in Mizoram are Bengali, Pangals and Assamese living in northern Mizoram districts of Kolasib and Mamit where there are five mosquesTemplate:Sfn[9][10] and there is also small community of khasi people who follow Islam.[11]
Muslim population by district
| District[12] | 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 |
Organisations
See also
References
- ↑ C-01: Population by religious community, Mizoram - 2011. Census Department, Government of India. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
- ↑ The Camera as Witness{{#if:Pachuau|, Pachuau}. Cambridge University Press(2015-04-13). ISBN 978-1-107-07339-5
- ↑ From Hill Warriors to Sepoys: The Induction of Nagas, Lushais (Mizos), And Kukis into the British Colonial Army. International Journal of Multi-disciplinary({Template:Date).
- ↑ Muslims offer namaz near church in Christian-majority Mizoram, Fanai, Ezrela Dalidia. EastMojo(August 12, 2019).
- ↑ A History of the Mizos{{#if:Verghese|, Verghese}. Vikas Publishing House(1997). 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.
- ↑ History, Religion and Culture of India{{#if:Gajrani|, Gajrani}. Gyan Publishing House(2004). ISBN 978-81-8205-065-5
- ↑ {{{title}}}. crsmizo.mizoram.gov.in. Retrieved 2026-04-24.
- ↑ Why seven people died in clash between two northeast India states. Retrieved 2026-04-27.
- ↑ As threats rise, Meiteis exodus from Mizoram continues. The Times of India(2023-07-24). Retrieved 2026-05-07.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Mizoram Religion Data - Census 2011. www.census2011.co.in. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ↑ 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
- ↑ Gleaning Political Communication Through 'Notices' in North East India. Routledge India(2022-10-10).
- ↑ The Mizoram Gazette. mizoramassembly.in(2004). Retrieved 2026-04-12.
- ↑ Border standoff: Mizoram's Muslim organisations appeal to people to maintain peace. NORTHEAST NOW. Retrieved 2026-04-24.
- Tribal Atlas Mizoram. Social Welfare & Tribal Affairs Department, Government of Mizoram.
- Template:Cite thesis