# Champhai

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This article is about the municipality in Mizoram, India. For its namesake district, see [Champhai district](/source/Champhai_district).

Town in Mizoram, India

Champhai Town Champhai, Mizoram, from south, with Zotlang in the foreground. Taken from Ruantlang, across the Champhai Valley, with the town of Champhai stretched along the hill in the distance and the village of Zotlang in the foreground Nickname: Rice Bowl of Mizoram Champhai Show map of Mizoram Champhai Show map of India Coordinates: 23°27′22″N 93°19′44″E / 23.456°N 93.329°E / 23.456; 93.329 Country India State Mizoram District Champhai Government • Type District Administration • Body Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Champhai Area • Total 10 km2 (3.9 sq mi) Elevation 1,678 m (5,505 ft) Population (2023) • Total 44,000 • Density 4,400/km2 (11,000/sq mi) Languages • Official Mizo Time zone UTC+5:30 (IST) PIN 796321 Telephone code 03831 Vehicle registration MZ-04 Climate Subtropical highland Website champhai.nic.in

 Champhai, Mizoram, from south, with Zotlang in the foreground. Taken from Ruantlang, across the Champhai Valley, with the town of Champhai stretched along the hill in the distance and the village of Zotlang in the foreground.

**Champhai** is the third largest town in [Mizoram](/source/Mizoram),[1] [northeast India](/source/Northeast_India) and is one of the oldest settlements founded by the [Mizo people](/source/Mizo_people) that initially served as a capital for the [Hmar](/source/Hmar_people) dynasty.[2] Located near the [India–Myanmar](/source/India%E2%80%93Myanmar_border) border, it facilitates [cross-border trade](/source/Border_trade) and serves as a hub for trade and commerce in the region.

Unlike most urban places in Mizoram, Champhai is situated in a valley and on top of a small hill. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,678 meters (5,505 feet) above sea level. It had an estimated population of 44,000 in 2023.

## History

The [Hmar people](/source/Hmar_people) are credited to be the first settlers of Champhai, until they left the place and the [Ralte](/source/Ralte) people came in to later occupy it.[3] Old stone structures, such as the *Sikpui Lung* (a monolith associated with a particular festival of the [Hmar people](/source/Hmar_people)) can still be found to this day.[4] The inscription on the monolith reads:

- HE LUNG HI HMANLAI HMAR HO SIKPUI A NI TIN KEINI KUM 28.12.1918 A HIAN KAN AWM TA. ZAHULA SAILO

Rough Translation:

- *This is the stone erected by the Hmars in the past to commemorate Sikpui, and we have now occupied this place from 28.2.1918, Zahula Sailo*

Champhai was the headquarters of [Lalbura Sailo](/source/Lalbura), son of [Vanhnuailiana](/source/Vanhnuailiana), a Mizo Chief against whom the British Expedition of 1871–72 was directed. It was accorded the status of a fort during the [British period](/source/British_imperialism).[5] The Champhai Valley was once a lake and was gradually silted to obliterate the lake. The soil of the plain was still uncultivated during the [Lushai Expedition](/source/Lushai_Expedition) of 1872.[6] Irrigated rice cultivation started in Champhai in the year 1898 encouraged by the [British Colonial](/source/British_Colonial) Authorities to supply rice for their soldiers and laborers. As of 1922, there was only 1 shop in Champhai.[7] On 1 March 1966, the [Mizo National Front](/source/Mizo_National_Front) declared independence of Mizos unilaterally and attacked the [Assam Rifles](/source/Assam_Rifles) post at Champhai.[8]

In March 1988, Champhai hosted the First Zomi Convention, organised by [Thenphunga Sailo](/source/Thenphunga_Sailo) in conjunction with T. Gougin of the [Zomi National Congress](/source/Zomi_National_Congress) in Manipur. The meeting saw the birth of [Zo Reunification Organisation](/source/Zo_Reunification_Organization) (ZORO).[9][10]

## Governance

As with all other districts, general administration of all aspects of polity and economy are headed by the [Deputy Commissioner(DC)](/source/District_magistrate) of the district. All district level Government undertakings including the police are under the purview of the DC. The current (2026) DC of Champhai District is Mohammad Aaquib.

In law enforcement, the DC is assisted largely by the [Superintendent of Police (SP)](/source/Superintendent_of_police_(India)) who is the district head of all policing matters in the district. He/she functions closely with the Deputy Commissioner and reports to the DC on all law enforcement related matters of the district. The current (2023) DC of Champhai District is Lalrinpuia Varte, a senior officer of the Mizoram Police Service.[11]

## Economy

The economy of Champhai is mainly agriculture and border trade. Champhai is also the main trading centre of [Mizoram](/source/Mizoram) with goods like clothes, silverware and electronics imported from [Myanmar](/source/Myanmar)[12] through the trading post in Zokhawthar.[13]

## Media

The Major Media in Champhai are:[14]

- Lenrual

- Pasaltha

- Rihlipui

- CCN (Digital TV Operator)

- LCN (Digital TV Operator)

## Transport

A helicopter service by [Pawan Hans](/source/Pawan_Hans)[15] has been started which connects the Aizawl with Champhai.[16] The distance between Champhai and [Aizawl](/source/Aizawl) is 194 km and is connected with regular service of bus and maxi cab.[17]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Mizoram (India): Towns in Districts - Population Statistics, Charts and Map"](https://www.citypopulation.de/en/india/mizoram/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["History | Champhai District, Government of Mizoram | India"](https://champhai.nic.in/history/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** [https://champhai.nic.in/history/](https://champhai.nic.in/history/)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** [https://champhai.nic.in/adventures/](https://champhai.nic.in/adventures/)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** K. C. Kabra (2008). [*Economic Growth of Mizoram: Role of Business & Industry*](https://books.google.com/books?id=0PcdaYllHNUC&q=Mamit). Concept Publishing Company. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9788180695186](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9788180695186).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Woodthorpe, RG (August 2012). *The Lushai Expedition*. Hardpress. pp. 277–278. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781290939966](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781290939966).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** *The Camera as Witness*. Cambridge University Press. 13 April 2015. p. 173. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781107073395](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781107073395).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Sharma, Sushil Kumar (June 2016). [*Lessons from Mizoram Insurgency and Peace Accord 1986*](https://www.vifindia.org/sites/default/files/lessons-from-mizoram-insurgency-and-peace-accord-1986.pdf) (PDF). Vivekananda Foundation. p. 4.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Ramesh Menon, [Former chief minister Brigadier Thenphunga Sailo plans to carve new Mizoram state](https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/indiascope/story/19880630-former-chief-minister-brigadier-thenphunga-sailo-plans-to-carve-new-mizoram-state-797433-1988-06-29), India Today, 30 June 1988.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Suan, H. Kham Khan (2011), "Rethinking 'tribe' identities: The politics of recognition among the Zo in north-east India", *Contributions to Indian Sociology*, **45** (2): 178–179, [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1177/006996671104500201](https://doi.org/10.1177%2F006996671104500201)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Senior Police Officers in Mizoram"](https://police.mizoram.gov.in/senior-police-officers/). *Mizoram Police*. 26 April 2023. Retrieved 26 April 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["TRADE AND COMMERCE"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051755/http://www.cic.nic.in/cicwebpages/mizoram/champhai/champhai_cicinfo.htm). CIC. Archived from [the original](http://www.cic.nic.in/cicwebpages/mizoram/champhai/champhai_cicinfo.htm) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Miz poised for border trade boom"](http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/print-version-the-sangai-express-news.php?newsid=1628). *The Sangai Express*. Retrieved 29 August 2012.[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Accredited Journalists"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130619020709/http://dipr.mizoram.gov.in/journalists). DIPR Mizoram. Archived from [the original](http://dipr.mizoram.gov.in/journalists) on 19 June 2013. Retrieved 5 September 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["MIZORAMA HELICOPTER SERVICE TUR CHIEF MINISTER IN HAWNG"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131212015939/http://dipr.mizoram.gov.in/press-release/mizorama-helicopter-service-tur-chief-minister-in-hawng). Mizoram DIPR. Archived from [the original](http://dipr.mizoram.gov.in/press-release/mizorama-helicopter-service-tur-chief-minister-in-hawng) on 12 December 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Nilaini atangin 'Helicopter Service"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150923163051/http://www.thezozamtimes.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5455:nilaini-atangin-helicopter-service&catid=43:news&Itemid=63). *The Zozam Times*. Archived from [the original](http://www.thezozamtimes.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5455:nilaini-atangin-helicopter-service&catid=43:news&Itemid=63) on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 20 August 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Aizawl to Champhai"](https://mizoram.nic.in/more/rchamphai.htm). Mizoram NIC. Retrieved 29 August 2012.

## External links

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for ***[Champhai](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Champhai#Q861388)***.

- [Champhai.nic.in : The first official district site of Champhai town](https://www.champhai.nic.in/)

- [Champhai Blog](https://web.archive.org/web/20070328152849/http://www.s3.freepowerboards.com/cpinews/portal.php)

- [Champhai.net : Champhai Daily News](https://archive.today/20130221120824/http://www.champhai.net/)

v t e Champhai district Notified Towns Champhai North Vanlaiphai Blocks and villages Champhai Hnahlan Khuangphah Lungphunlian Murlen N.E. Diltlang Ngur N. Khawbung Tualcheng Vaikhawtlang Vapar Khawbung Buang Bulfekzawl Bungzung New Dungtlang Old Dungtlang E. Chawngtui Farkawn Khankawn Khuangleng Khuangthing Leisenzo Leithum Lianpui New Hruaikawn Old Hruaikawn South Khawbung New Samthang Old Samthang Sazep Sesih Thekpui Thekte Vangchhia Vanzau Vaphai Zawlsei Zawngtetui

v t e State of Mizoram Capital: Aizawl State symbols Animal: Himalayan serow Bird: Mrs. Hume's pheasant Flower: Red Vanda Tree: Indian rose chestnut Fish: Burmese kingfish History Unknown civilisation in Vangchhia Lushai chiefdoms Lushai Expedition Chin-Lushai Expedition Lushai Rising British rule Mizo District 1966 MNF uprising Union Territory Mizoram Peace Accord Government Governors Chief Ministers Legislative Assembly High Court Police Chief Secretaries Districts Aizawl Champhai Kolasib Lawngtlai Lunglei Mamit Siaha Serchhip Hnahthial Khawzawl Saitual Urban Areas Aizawl Bairabi Biate Champhai Darlawn Hnahthial Kolasib Khawhai Khawzawl Lawngtlai Lengpui Lunglei Mamit North Kawnpui North Vanlaiphai Sairang Saitual Serchhip Siaha Thenzawl Tlabung Vairengte Zawlnuam Infrastructure Aizawl Monorail Bairabi–Sairang Railway Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project Lengpui Airport Serlui B Dam Tuirial Dam Vankal Solar Park Vuakmual Airport Education Mizoram University National Institute of Technology, Mizoram Zoram Medical College Colleges Schools Tourist attractions Mt. Hmuifang Mt. Sakawrhmuituai Mt. Phawngpui Lalsavunga Park Mizo Poets' Square Palak Dil Reiek Peak Solomon's Temple Tam Dil Thenzawl Golf Course Tuirihiau Falls Vangchhia Vantawng Falls Protected areas Murlen National Park Phawngpui National Park Dampa Tiger Reserve Culture History Music Language Literature Cuisine People Sports Clothing Topics Geography Highest point Tourism Politics Elections Economy Education

v t e Urban Areas in Mizoram by Population 400,000+ Aizawl 50,000–100,000 Lunglei 10,000–49,999 Champhai Saiha Kolasib Serchhip Lawngtlai Saitual Khawzawl Vairengte Mamit North Kawnpui 5,000-9,999 Thenzawl Hnahthial Sairang Tlabung Bairabi Darlawn Zawlnuam 1,000-4,999 North Vanlaiphai Lengpui Khawhai Biate

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Champhai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champhai) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champhai?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.