Buddhism in Mizoram
Buddhism is the second largest religion in the Indian State of Mizoram. It is followed by 8.51% of its population. There are 93411 Buddhists in Mizoram.[1] Most of the Buddhists in Mizoram are Chakmas [2] Most of them live in the autonomous region called Chakma Autonomous District Council and follows Theravada branch of Buddhism.[3]
History
[edit]The Chakma Buddhists tribe has been in the state for centuries. In 1960s many Chakmas from the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh migrated to the Mizoram and other neighbouring Indian states after their lands were submerged by the filling of Kaptai dam. Some also migrated to Mizoram to escape from religious persecution in Bangladesh. In 1972, when Mizoram became a State, the Centre government granted the Chakmas tribes autonomy by creating Chakma Autonomous District Council.[4]
Demographics
[edit]In 2001 Census, Buddhism constituted 7.93% of the State's population.[5] It increased slightly to 8.51% in the 2011 Census.[1]
About 91.7% or 88,885 Chakmas follows Buddhism.[6]
District wise Buddhist Population
[edit]| District[7] | Percent |
|---|---|
| Aizawl | 0.39% |
| Lawngtlai | 43.72% |
| Saiha | 0.18% |
| Serchhip | 0.09% |
| Mamit | 14.27% |
| Champhai | 0.12% |
| Lunglei | 17.06% |
| Kolasib | 0.13% |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "C-01: Population by religious community, Mizoram - 2011". Census Department, Government of India. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
- ^ "In Mizoram, political parties likely to field Chakmas despite diktat by influential NGOs". Retrieved 7 October 2022.
- ^ "Why the BJP is gaining popularity in some parts of minority-dominated Mizoram". Retrieved 7 October 2022.
- ^ "In Mizoram, the BJP depends on the Chakmas to make its debut in the state assembly". Scroll. 7 October 2022.
- ^ "Total population by religious communities". Censusindia.gov.in. Archived from the original on 19 January 2008. Retrieved 20 November 2014.
- ^ "Christianity among the Scheduled Tribes of the Northeast Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland". Retrieved 7 October 2022.
- ^ "Mizoram Religion Census 2011". Retrieved 7 October 2022.