Music in Mizoram

The music of Mizoram is dominated by the soothing beat of drum as well as boisterous gong. There is also trace of flute which is almost defunct now. The drum is made of hollow trunk of the tree and is use to provide rhythmic beat to the music. The people of Mizoram are known for their passion for music. The folk music of the state has its origin as early as the civilization started to settle down in the state. Among the hundreds of folk songs some of the most important music forms are Bawh Hla, Halado, Thiam Hla& dwai hla, dar hla, Lengzem Zai and so on.

Bawh Hla is the loud cry or chant of the warrior of the clan showing their superiority on the enemy. The remarkable thing is that no other warrior other than the slayer of the enemy can chant this song. Similarly Halado is chanted by the hunter after successfully trapping his pursuit. Further, Thiam Hla& dwai hla are invocative verses chanted by the priests and witches on various occasions.

The music of state is complemented by the effective use of different kinds of musical instruments. However, they are comparatively simple and crude than the other traditional Indian instruments. They can be roughly divided into three categories that of beating or striking, wind instrument and string instrument. Beating instrument comprise of Khuang and Dar, Bengbung, Seki, Talhkhuang which form the major part of their music.