Mizo women resistance against the British rule: with special reference to Ropuiliani
Volume-XIII, Issue-III, April 2025
Volume-XIII, Issue-III, April 2025 |
Received: 24.04.2025 | Accepted: 28.04.2025 | Published Online: 30.04.2025 | Page No: 188-193 | ||||
Mizo women resistance against the British rule: with special reference to Ropuiliani Dr. Phoibi Lalniropui Tuolor, Assistant Professor, Department of History, Handique Girls' College, Guwahati, Assam, India | ||
ABSTRACT | ||
This paper intends to highlight the Mizo women’s contribution in resisting British colonialism in the Lushai Hills. Among Mizo women, Ropuiliani's contributions stand out as particularly impactful and prominent compared to others. Before the annexation of the Lushai Hills by the British, the Mizo society was governed by their chiefs whom they called ‘Lal’. The Chief was the supreme authority in his village and as such enjoyed extensive political and military power. The immediate result of the colonial expansion in the Lushai Hills was an increase in widow chiefs. After the death of Chief Vandula, his widow Ropuiliani became the first female Chief in the history of Mizoram. She refused to recognize British colonial rule and thus was imprisoned, detained and died in the prison in January 1894. She emerged as one of the most courageous people in Mizoram who fought British aggression. This article thus tries to examine how women chiefs besides male chiefs played key roles in the political process of governing Lushai Hills and how they show resistance against colonialism. Primary as well as secondary sources based on historical studies will be used in writing the article. | ||
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