Description:- Musical Instruments of Mizoram, State :- Mizoram
Post Office :- Mizoram, Pin Code :- 796001
Mizoram is a region in India. Its folk music consists of vocals accompanied by traditional drums, gong and other
native percussion instruments. There is also a long history of flute-playing which is now defunct. The drums are made from a
hollow tree trunk with membrane made from cow hide and the gongs, made of
brass, are very similar to those found in Myanmar. It is difficult to trace the origin and to arrange the
chronological sequences of the heritage of Mizo Music. However, some couplets
were developed during the settlement of Thantlang in Burma, estimated between
1300-1400 AD. As recorded by B. Lalthangliana, the folk songs developed during
this period were dar hla ; Bawh hla, Hlado; Nauawih hla A greater development of songs can be seen
from the settlement of Lentlang in Burma, estimated between late 15th to 17th
Century AD.The Mizos occupied present-day Mizoram from the late 17th century.
The pre-colonial period, that is from the 18th to 19th century A.D. was another
important era in the history of Mizo folk literature. Prior to the annexation
by the British Government, the Mizos occupied the present Mizoram for two
centuries. In comparison with the folk songs of Thantlang and Lentlang
settlement, the songs of this period are more developed in its number, form and
contents. The languages are more polished and the flows also better. Most of
the songs of this period are named after the composers.In precolonial times,
the Mizos used the drum, gong and mouth organ made of gourd and bamboo as musical instruments. With
adoption of Christianity, musical instruments other than the drum lost their
appeal. The first Musical instrument to enter Mizoram was the mouth organ brought
in by Mrs Fraser in 1907. Mr Vankhama, a well known composer was
influential in popularizing the guitar in Mizoram.
