Lushai
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The Lushais are a tribe native to Mizoram, in Northeast India. They are one of the three main subgroups of the Mizos. The other two subgroups are the Pawis or Lais and the Lakhers or Mara.
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[edit] The Name
There have been many speculations as to what the name means. It was first interpreted as 'head-cutters' ('lu' meaning head and 'shai' meaning cutter). Others believe that it means 'long-headed', as they believe that it is actually 'lushei' and not 'lushai'('shei' means long). This name seems more probable at the time, pertaining to the fact that the Lushai people tie their hair in knots at the back of their heads.
[edit] Physical Features
The Lushai people are usually described as "short, sturdy and heavy people of Mongolian type." The average height of men was usually between 162 cm and 170 cm. The average women's height ranged from 140 cm to 160 cm. Their skin complexion varied between dark brown to light yellow. Beards and whiskers are very rare in a Lushai tribe. Both men and women have their hair tied in a knot over the nape of the neck. This was carefully parted in the middle. Children's hair is allowed to grow unchecked until it is long enough to be tied into a knot. Young men dress their hair quite carefully using pig fat. Widows let their hair hang loose.
Infant mortality was quite high. Due to this, an average women bore 8 to 10 children but only 2 or 3 of the 10 would grow up to be adults. Both men and women could easily walk long distances and swim. Hill climbing came naturally to these people, who lived in the hilly terrain of the Lushai hills.
Mental abnormalities were not rare in the Lushai tribes. Lunacy was quite common. There were cases of transvestites too, in which case men would dress up and live like women. Such cases were, however, accepted in the society. Suicidal tendency was also quite common, especially in older members of the tribe.
[edit] Religious Practices and Influence
The Lushai tribe, being one of the major subgroups of the Mizos, influenced many other neighbouring, smaller clans. Some examples of such tribes are the Fanai, the Ralte, the Paite and the Rangte.
[edit] Language
Several languages are spoken in the Lushai hills. However, the main one spoken is Lushai. Other languages of the Kuki-Chin group were Zahao, Lakher, Hmar, Paite, Lai and Ralte. Many of the smaller clans' people communicate amongst each other through their tribe's own language but usually speak Lushai with outsiders. Lushai is a spoken Language only and is not written.
