Mautâm is a cyclic ecological phenomenon that occurs every 48–50 years in the northeastern Indian states of Tripura, Mizoram and Manipur, as well as in many places of Assam which are 30% covered by wild bamboo forests, and Chin State in Myanmar, particularly Hakha, Thantlang, Falam, Paletwa and Matupi Townships. It begins with a rat population boom, which in turn creates a widespread famine in those areas.
Flowering bamboo
Mizoram is a landlocked state in northeast India, with Aizawl as its seat of government and largest city. Within India's northeast region, it is the southernmost state, sharing borders with three of the Seven Sister States, namely Tripura, Assam and Manipur, and also shares a 722-kilometre (449 mi) border with the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh and Myanmar. The state spans over an area of approximately 21,087 square kilometres, of which approximately 91% is forested. With an estimated population of 1.25 million in 2023, it is the second least populous state in the country.
Image: Vantawng Khawhthla
Image: Kolodyne castle in Mizoram
Image: Mizoram Bango Nirtya performed at the 44th India International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2013), in Panaji, Goa on November 26, 2013
One of the many battles between British troops and British-aligned tribes of Mizoram against a Lusei clan in Mizoram. This sketch is by Lieutenant Cole in 1889 titled "Looshai expedition".