and transformed their faith and community life.
On 07 March 1939, a little-known evangelist named Pu Thawngluan from the Evangelical Convention Church arrived in the Thangkhal hamlet of T. Khajang. He carried the same gospel first brought to Senvawn in 1910 by the Welsh missionary Watkin Roberts—a message that had already transformed many Zo communities across the hills.
Before him, some Mizo
gospel messengers had reached the Thangkhal hills, but due to language
differences, the Thangkhals paid little attention. This time, however, things
were different.
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Pu Thawngluan first went
to Mulam with the hope of sharing the gospel. But the Thangkhals there did not
allow him to enter or stay the night. They feared he would bring bad omens,
sickness, and misfortune to their village. They chased him away, even shooting
him with slings (saili) and spraying him with pig-swill (food scraps mixed with
water). They drove him out as if they were chasing away animals.
Mulam was the first settlement of the
Thangkhals, who at that time followed their old religion known as Lawki. Their customs and community life
were deeply rooted in traditional practices, with the Siampu (priest) holding an important role.
Mulam is a hill situated on the top of a mountain between two hills—Kulhvum and Gamdawng Vum. The name Mulam comes from mu (kite) and laam (soaring over the hills). The sight of a soaring kite was a sign to the Thangkhal forefathers that the mountain would provide abundant food and resources. Kulhvum is a hill from which one can clearly see the surrounding areas, and it served as a lookout point during times of danger. Gamdawng Vum, on the other hand, is a pasture land where cattle grazed on the open grass.
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Finding no place to stay in Mulam, Pu Thawngluan simply returned to Khajang, which was further downhill. Life in the Thangkhal villages continued as usual. People drank Zupi and sang Saan-Nem-La, their traditional songs, in the evenings after working in the fields. Their harvests were plentiful and often lasted two to three years, so they lived without much worry. They also kept many animals—cattle, buffaloes, goats, chickens, dogs, and more. Hunting was their favourite pastime.
Everything changed when the chief of Khajang,
Pu Ulchin, welcomed him. Pu Thawngluan stayed in the village and began
preaching the gospel. Gradually, Pu Ulchin accepted the new faith and was
baptized by him, followed by Pu Vumkai, Pu Selkha and Pu Lunzahau—with whom Pu
Thawngluan celebrated Christmas with chicken meat (akpum). Then, one by one, others
followed.
From his base in Khajang, Pu Thawngluan
travelled to other Thangkhal villages such as Suangkuang, Khaukual, Khuangkhai and Mulam. Only a few accepted him at first, but the seed of the gospel had
been planted. Slowly, the villagers responded.
A touching moment came when his beloved wife
passed away in Khajang. The Thangkhal women loved her deeply and wanted to cry
for her. They asked him, “Pa Luan, may we cry for our beloved mother?” He
gently replied, “No, you must not cry. She is peacefully resting in the bosom
of our God in heaven. We are believers; we should not cry for her. She is at
peace.” Out of respect, they hid their tears. Some cried quietly behind his
house, not wanting to disobey him.
In Thangkhal, Pu (for elder men) and Pi
(for elder women) were titles of honour, while Pa means dad and Nu means
mum.
Pu Thawngluan and his wife, Pi Thuangkhongai,
had eight children—five girls and three boys. The first three children were
born while the family lived in Khajang. The rest were born after they moved
away.
Ms Ngaizaniang – born in T. Khajang in 1934 (now 76)
Ms (L) Vungzanem – born in T. Khajang in 1942
Mr Ginzalian (69) – born in Mualpi in 1950
Ms Chiinkhanngai (67) – born in Mualpi in 1957
Ms Lalmuanching (62) – born in Pangliang in 1962
Mr Nengkhanthang (60) – born in Pangliang in 1959
Mr Thangkholian (58) – born in Pangliang in 1961
Ms Manhoihching (54) – born in Pangliang in 1965
~ BRUCE K.
THANGKHAL
