SIALAM
Sialam is situated in Bualram, Than Tlang township, Northern Chin State, Myanmar. The neighbouring villages are Hriangkhan village, Thau village, Tikir village, Hmunhalh village, Bungtlang village, Pangkhua village (Mizoram) and Sangau town (Mizoram).
History of origin: Sialam was founded in 1870 by Pu Do Tur, the son of Khiteng chief Pu Tei Thai from Tikir village. This origin story has been passed down orally through generations. Bualram was established by Khiteng chief Pu Hrang Chia, who had two sons: Pu Thang Lul and Pu Nun Thawl. Pu Thang Lul had three sons: Pu Tei Thai (who became the chief of Tikir), Pu Za Kio (who died without children), and Pu Za Sang (who founded Lulpilung village). Pu Tei Thai had two sons with his wife, Princess of Zokhua: Pu Ral Dum and Pu Sai Ceu. Pu Sai Ceu also died without children. Pu Ral Dum fathered Pu Ram Luai and Pu Ngun Khuai, who became Tikir chiefs. In his old age, Pu Tei Thai married the sister of Pu Ngun Ling, the chief of Bualphir Cinzah, and together they had Pu Do Tur. Pu Tei Thai intended for his son Pu Do Tur to acquire new territory, leading to the founding of Sialam village in 1870.
When Pu Do Tur founded Sialam, he was accompanied by his younger brothers: Pu Tha Hmung, Pu Za Kam, and Pu Rawl To. He also invited Pu Bual Kio from the Hlawnching clan in Hriangkhan village to join them. Pu Do Tur then wisely decided to invite other clans from surrounding villages to join their new community. The clans that joined included Pu Tlei Al (Sulhlen clan), Pu Mang Thawng (Zaathang clan), Pu Za Bil (Zaathang clan), Pu Za Cut (Rualhleng clan), Pu Bual Hei (Fambawl clan), and Pu Ral Ceu (Hlawnching clan). It is said they also welcomed other clans skilled in blacksmithing and agriculture. At that time, the people of Sialam practiced animism, worshiping spirit beings or objects they believed could bring them harm or good luck. When Pu Do Tur, the Khiteng chief, founded Sialam, he officially appointed the Sulhlen clan as their priests, responsible for all religious activities. Pu Do Tur and his followers wholeheartedly trusted that the Sulhlen clan would lead them in their worship and officiate religious ceremonies and rites.
When they first arrived in Sialam, they had to move several times for various reasons. Their first settlement was in Saisihtlang (Hrawngkhawpi Dinhmun), where they lived for about 3-4 years, from 1870 to 1874. They then relocated to a new place called Ceu Luai Pa Lungdonh (A Luai Lung donh), residing there until 1880. After that, they moved to Fartlang Khua, where they lived for about two decades, from 1880 to 1900. In 1900, they moved to a place called Lian Hmung Khuaruam and stayed until 1910. The following year, they relocated to Tlang Khua (Khuahlun Phong-Keihthei rawn), where they remained until 1914. During this time, World War- I (The local people called it, ‘German Ral’ meaning, the German War’) broke out, causing fear and scattering the villagers to different places. However, some stayed behind and moved to a location called Kumkual Tlang (1914-1918) in the Phiawh Valley, which they named "Rawlnak," meaning ‘place of refuge.’ There is a small river nearby that they called "Rawlnak va," meaning ‘river of refuge.’ These names have remained unchanged to this day. They stayed in Rawlnak until 1918 when World War I ended. Afterward, they moved to another place called Khuahlunphong (Khiangrawn and Kehtheibo) from 1918 to 1924. Finally, in 1924, they settled in a new location called Raciah va or Khuahlun (Pimva), where they lived for several years.
In 1972, the community was divided into two villages, and a few members moved to a place called Khuahlunphong (1972-1975). However, within these three years, most of the people returned to join the original Sialam Khuahlun (1972-1993). In 1993, the village was again split into two, with some residents moving to back to Khuahlunphong (1994-1996) and others relocating to Kuhthingbawk (1996-2010), where they stayed until 2010. The people realized that despite their close proximity, splitting into two villages was not a desirable option. They held a general assembly and unanimously voted to remain in a single location. As a result, starting in 2010, they began the process of moving back to their current place, completing the relocation to Sialam village in 2012. Over the years, Sialam Khua has moved from place to place, totaling at least ten locations (Ref: “Sialam Robawm, Ciruang Hlamnak Cauk, 2016”). Nevertheless, due to their unity and the spirit of ‘khuakhat kan si,’ meaning ‘we are the same village,’ they now live together harmoniously in the current location known as Sialam Khua.
Special Features:
Mountain: Sialam village is surrounded by several local mountains, cliffs, and terraces, with Ciriang Tlang (Ciriang Tu) being one of the most famous and beautiful. This mountain is shared by four villages: Hriangkhan in the east, Tikir in the south, Sialam in the southwest, and Thau in the north. While all four villages share parts of the Ciriang Tlang range, Sialam's territory covers a larger portion, making it more accessible to its residents due to its geographical location. Ciriang Tlang is a vast, evergreen forest and is the source of several significant rivers, including Hriawh Va, Phiawh Va, and Thangse Va. It is also home to notable waterfalls, such as Khuaiva Fall in Thau Village's territory and Va Khar Fall in Sialam's territory. The mountain is rich in flora and fauna and is renowned as a wildlife sanctuary. One of its most distinguished inhabitants is the hornbill, the national bird of the Chin people. Because of its unique natural environment, the Chin Rural Development Program as well as department of Ministry of Forest has declared Ciriang Tlang a protected forest and wildlife sanctuary. This beautiful mountain holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Sialam and the surrounding villages, and its memory will never fade.
Rivers: There are several streams, including Hrianghnikah Va, Saisih Va, Phunte Va, Phunpi Va, Khuai Va (Fiangthumtonnak Va), Zurva, Pim Va, Vomkah Va, Kumkual Va, Darciapa-innthlang Va, Fartlang Va, Tidil Va, Lunghau Va, and Lungsia Va. Among these, Boinu Va and Saisih Va are the most well-known. Additionally, there are at least three notable waterfalls: Khuate Fall, Kuapi Fall, and Vakhar Fall.
The Boinu River (Boinu Va) originates in Hakha, Chin State, where it is called Timit, and flows south, merging with the Chal River before becoming the Boinu River. As it continues south, it is joined by several small streams and the Saisih River, eventually reaching the Tio River. The Boinu then flows north along the India-Myanmar border via the Tio River, before heading northwest into Mizoram State, where it is known as the Kaladan River. The Boinu River passes through Sialam territory, providing unique benefits to the people. It is a key site for farming, hunting, fishing, bamboo rafting, swimming, and picnicking, with both young and old enjoying its peaceful flow and natural beauty. The Boinu River holds a special place in the hearts of the Sialam people and will always be remembered fondly.
Saisih River: The Saisih River is one of the longest rivers in Sialam village. It originates near the village and flows south, joining the Boinu River. The point where the two rivers meet is called "Saisih Chuak." This spot holds historical significance from the British colonial era. During that time, British rulers from Lunglei, Mizoram, India, and Falam, Chin State, Burma, held annual meetings at the confluence. They ordered the construction of a camp, which was led by Pu Do Kio, the chief of Sialam village, and his secretary, Pu Lul Chum. Though the camp was primarily built by the people of Sialam, surrounding villages also contributed. Each year, the two colonial officials would meet and vacation there, with nearby villages supplying animals, food, and local rice wine (Zureu and Zufa). The villagers were also required to serve during the officials' stay, which sometimes lasted a month. The British even planned to connect the two regions by road, and today, the Saisih Chuak Road still exists, starting from Than Tlang town to the Saisih Chuak Camp. Today, Saisih Chuak has become a place of friendship and trade between the people of Mizoram and Chin.
Farm: The people of Sialam rely heavily on shifting cultivation, where they move to a new area each year for farming, a practice locally called "Lopil." Sialam has several productive Lopils, including Bualpi Tlang, Bualte Tlang, Kuate Cung, Phunpi, Tiphuat, Chungchep Bual, Vomkah Tlang, Fiangthumton, Phunpital, Fartlang, Saisih Tlang, Kumkual Tlang, Than Phau Tlang, Khawngpi Tlang, and Vaipalung Tlang. Among these, Phunpi Lopil is the most productive. Due to its productivenss in crops, our ancestors referred to Phunpi lopil as "Ngaktah Hnemhnak/ngaktah hnemtu," meaning "the farm of orphans' wiping tears." This name reflects its significance, as even when other Lopils failed to produce enough food, Phunpi Lopil always provided more than enough for everyone to survive the year.
Current Status: Sialam village currently has at least 115 households and a population of over 700, with around 30 clans living together peacefully, joyfully, and harmoniously across three blocks: Khua Hlun Sang, Biakinn Sang, and Khuathar Sang. The community embraces Christianity, with three main churches: the Baptist Church, Methodist Church, and United Pentecostal Church.
In terms of education, there is a public school offering classes from kindergarten through grade 10. Sialam village has united and grown, giving rise to a new generation of politicians, educated men and women, businesspeople, school teachers, singers, engineers, medical doctor and nurses, skilled workers, theologians, and Christian ministers. Sialam village is one of the most beautiful villages in Chin State in the border of Mizoram.
