The 1906 Mizo Revival

The 1906 Mizo Revival was a pivotal event in the history of Christianity in India, profoundly altering the religious landscape of the Lushai Hills (present-day Mizoram) and leaving an enduring mark on the Mizo people’s social and cultural life.

This revival was one facet of a broader wave of religious awakenings that swept across India in the early 20th century, sparked by news of the Welsh Revival of 1904-1905 and sustained by fervent prayer among missionaries and Indian Christians¹. This article explores the history of the 1906 Mizo Revival, examining its precursors, key individuals, distinctive characteristics, and lasting impact.

Religion in India Prior to the Revival

To fully grasp the significance of the Mizo Revival, it’s essential to understand the religious context of India in the early 20th century. Hinduism, with its long history and diverse traditions, was the dominant religion². Buddhism, which had flourished under Emperor Ashoka’s patronage, had declined but still maintained a presence². Sikhism, another branch of Hinduism, had emerged in Punjab².

Christianity, introduced to India as early as the 1st century AD, had primarily spread in coastal areas due to the influence of European colonial powers².

Beyond these major religions, India’s religious landscape was characterized by a tapestry of ancient indigenous traditions, particularly among tribal communities like the Mizos. These traditions often incorporated animistic beliefs and practices, centering on spirits and the natural world. This spiritual diversity created a complex environment in which Christianity interacted with existing religious beliefs and practices.

The Mizo People and Early Christian Missions

The Mizos, also known as the Lushai, were an indigenous tribal group inhabiting the Lushai Hills in Northeast India. They were known for their warrior culture and animistic practices, including headhunting and human sacrifice. The advent of British colonial rule in the late 19th century opened the door for Christian missionaries who sought to evangelize the Mizo people³.

Pioneering missionaries like James Herbert Lorrain and F.W. Savidge, dispatched by the Arthington Aborigines Mission in London, played a critical role in bringing Christianity to the Mizos³. They not only preached the Gospel but also developed a written language for the Mizo people, established schools, and translated the Bible into the Mizo language¹. These early endeavors laid the groundwork for the growth of Christianity in Mizoram.

Antecedents of the Revival

The 1906 Mizo Revival was not an isolated incident. It was preceded by a series of revivals across India between 1904 and 1906, marked by a renewed focus on prayer, confession of sin, and a yearning for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

These revivals touched various denominations, including Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, and the Christian and Missionary Alliance¹. This ecumenical nature of the revival movement fostered unity and broke down barriers between different Christian groups.

One significant precursor was the 1905 Khasi Hills Revival in neighbouring Meghalaya. News of this revival, coupled with reports of the Welsh Revival, ignited a desire for a similar spiritual awakening among Mizo Christians. A key figure in the Khasi Hills Revival was Sahonroy, a government contractor, whose enthusiastic preaching had a profound impact on the Khasi people⁵.

When a group of Mizo Christians attended the Presbyterian Annual General Assembly in Mairang, Khasi Hills, in 1906, they were likely exposed to Sahonroy’s preaching, which may have further fuelled their desire for revival.

The news of the Welsh Revival had a direct impact on the Mizos. In July 1905, Christians in Aizawl and Serkawan began holding special prayer meetings, specifically seeking a similar outpouring of the Holy Spirit in their own communities¹. These prayer meetings demonstrate the growing anticipation and hunger for revival among the Mizos.

The Revival Begins

The Mizo Revival commenced in April 1906 when a group of Mizo Christians returned from the Presbyterian Annual General Assembly in Mairang, Khasi Hills¹. They had been deeply moved by the spiritual fervour at the Assembly and carried the “flame of revival” back to their communities⁵.

During their journey back to Aizawl, the group paused to pray in the Chaltang area⁶. As they prayed, they were overcome with a profound sense of joy and the palpable presence of the Holy Spirit⁶. This marked the beginning of the revival in Mizoram.

Prayers and Practices

The Mizo Revival was characterized by specific prayers and practices that contributed to its spread and impact. These included:

• Extraordinary Prayer: The revival was preceded and accompanied by fervent prayer among missionaries and Mizo Christians¹. They prayed for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit and for the transformation of their communities.
• Confession and Repentance: A key feature of the revival was the widespread confession of sin and a deep sense of repentance⁶. This led to a renewed commitment to Christian living and a desire to share the Gospel with others.
• Voluntary Preaching: The revival saw the emergence of voluntary preachers who traveled to different villages, sharing their testimonies and proclaiming the Gospel⁷. This practice, rooted in the Mizo tradition of “hnatlang” (community service), played a crucial role in spreading the revival.
• Singing and Dancing: The revival was marked by spontaneous expressions of joy and worship, including singing and dancing⁸. This challenged the traditional norms of Christian worship and reflected the integration of indigenous cultural elements into Christian practice.

One notable example of this integration was the emergence of “lengkhawm zai,” a Christian singing style that incorporated traditional Mizo musical elements and dance⁹. This fusion of faith and culture contributed to the unique character of the Mizo Revival.

Social and Cultural Impact

The Mizo Revival had a profound impact on the social and cultural fabric of Mizo society. One of the most significant consequences was its effect on the institution of slavery. Many Mizo chiefs, who had traditionally held slaves (“bawi”), were moved by the message of liberation and freedom in Christ⁷. They began to free their slaves, setting an example for others and contributing to social change within Mizo society.

For instance, Chief Hrangvunga of Bunghmun village freed all 120 of his slaves in 1908-1909, and Chief Khawvelthanga freed four of his slaves in 1910⁷. These acts of emancipation demonstrated the transformative power of the revival in addressing social injustices.

Beyond slavery, the revival also had a broader impact on Mizo culture. It promoted education and literacy, as missionaries established schools and emphasized the importance of reading the Bible³. The revival also led to the decline of certain traditional practices, such as headhunting, as the Mizo people embraced Christian values of peace and non-violence¹⁰.

Conversions and Spiritual Encounters

The Mizo Revival led to numerous conversions and profound spiritual encounters. People experienced a deep sense of conviction, forgiveness, and transformation⁷. There were reports of visions, dreams, and other supernatural experiences, which played a significant role in the revival’s impact⁹. These spiritual encounters reinforced the message of the Gospel and contributed to a sense of awe and wonder among the Mizo people.

The revival’s emphasis on “heavenly realms” and the promise of eternal life resonated with the socio-economic aspirations of the Mizos, who were undergoing significant changes under colonial rule⁷. The message of hope and liberation offered by Christianity provided solace and a sense of purpose in a rapidly changing world.

Immediate and Lasting Results

The Mizo Revival had a profound and lasting impact on Mizoram. Some of the immediate results included:

• Rapid Church Growth: The revival led to a significant increase in church membership¹⁰. Many people embraced Christianity, and new churches were established.
• Social Transformation: The revival brought about positive social changes, including the decline of traditional practices like headhunting and slavery¹⁰. It also promoted education and literacy.
• Increased Missionary Activity: The revival inspired many Mizos to become missionaries, spreading the Gospel to other parts of Northeast India and beyond¹¹.

The lasting results of the revival are still evident in Mizoram today. The state has one of the highest concentrations of Christians in India, and the church continues to play a vital role in Mizo society¹². The revival also contributed to the development of a distinct Mizo Christian identity, blending indigenous cultural elements with Christian faith and practice¹⁰. This indigenization of Christianity in Mizoram can be seen as a key legacy of the 1906 revival¹⁰.

Relationship to Other Revivals

The Mizo Revival was closely connected to other revivals that occurred in India and around the world during the same period. It was directly influenced by the Khasi Hills Revival and indirectly by the Welsh Revival¹³. These revivals shared common characteristics, such as an emphasis on prayer, confession, and spiritual experience.

The Mizo Revival also contributed to the larger wave of Pentecostalism that was emerging globally in the early 20th century¹⁴. The emphasis on spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues and divine healing, found resonance in the Mizo context.

The Mukti Mission, founded by Pandita Ramabai, played a significant role in promoting revival across India¹⁵. The Mission’s work in Aurangabad, for example, demonstrates its efforts to spread the revival fire to different parts of the country. This broader context helps to understand the interconnectedness of various revival movements in India during this period.

Scholarly and Historical Accounts

The 1906 Mizo Revival has been the subject of scholarly articles and historical accounts that provide valuable insights into its significance and impact. These accounts draw on various sources, including missionary writings, church records, and oral histories⁷.

One recurring theme in these accounts is the interplay between Christianity and indigenous Mizo culture⁸. Scholars have explored how the revival led to the integration of certain cultural elements into Christian practice, while also challenging traditional norms and values. This dynamic between continuity and change is a key aspect of understanding the revival’s impact on Mizo society.

Timeline of Events

The following timeline provides a chronological overview of the events leading up to, during, and after the 1906 Mizo Revival:

Event	Date	Description	Source
Arrival of first missionaries in Mizoram	1894	James Herbert Lorrain and F.W. Savidge arrive in Mizoram and begin their mission work among the Mizos, marking the beginning of Christian influence in the region.	3
Welsh Revival	1904-1905	News of the Welsh Revival reaches India, sparking prayer for a similar spiritual awakening among Christians in the country.	1
Khasi Hills Revival	1905-1906	Revival breaks out in Meghalaya, with notable contributions from preachers like Sahonroy. This revival has a significant influence on the Mizos.	2.0,
Prayer meetings in Aizawl and Serkawan	July 1905	Mizo Christians hold special prayer meetings in response to the news of the Welsh Revival, seeking a similar outpouring of the Holy Spirit.	1
Mizo delegates attend Presbyterian Assembly	March 1906	Mizo Christians attend the Presbyterian Annual General Assembly in Mairang, Khasi Hills, where they experience the “flame of revival.”	5
Revival begins in Mizoram	April 9, 1906	The Holy Spirit is poured out on the Mizo delegates as they pray in Chaltang upon their return from the Assembly.	6
Revival spreads throughout Mizoram	1906-1907	The revival spreads rapidly through Mizoram, fueled by voluntary preachers and fervent prayer among the Mizo people.	5
Social changes and church growth	1906 onwards	The revival leads to increased church membership, the decline of slavery, and other social transformations, marking a turning point in Mizo history.	10

Conclusion: Beneficial Takeaways

The 1906 Mizo Revival offers several valuable takeaways for Christians today:

• The Power of Prayer: The revival highlights the importance of persistent and fervent prayer in seeking God’s intervention and renewal.
• The Importance of Confession and Repentance: The revival emphasizes the need for genuine confession of sin and a commitment to turning away from wrongdoing.
• The Role of the Holy Spirit: The revival demonstrates the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in individual lives and communities.
• The Integration of Faith and Culture: The revival provides an example of how Christian faith can be expressed and lived out within a specific cultural context.
• The Importance of Witness and Evangelism: The revival underscores the responsibility of Christians to share their faith and make disciples.

The 1906 Mizo Revival serves as a reminder of the enduring power of the Gospel to transform lives and communities. It stands as a testament to the faithfulness of God and the potential for spiritual awakening in even the most challenging of circumstances.

Furthermore, the Mizo Revival offers valuable insights into the dynamics of religious revivals and the indigenization of Christianity. It demonstrates how a spiritual awakening can lead to profound social and cultural changes, challenging existing norms and values while also integrating elements of local traditions. The revival’s legacy in Mizoram highlights the enduring impact of such movements on the religious and cultural identity of a people.

The Mizo Revival also provides a lens through which to understand the complex relationship between Christianity and colonialism in India. While Christianity arrived in Mizoram with British colonialism, the revival demonstrates how the Mizo people appropriated and transformed the Christian faith, making it their own. This process of indigenization contributed to the development of a distinct Mizo Christian identity that continues to shape the religious landscape of the region today.

Works cited

1. 1906 Mizo, India Revival (13 Locations) – BEAUTIFUL FEET, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://romans1015.com/1906-mizo-outpouring/
2. Religious history of India – Hindustan Times, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/religious-history-of-india/story-kTyarHSWrjaZitkNbcVqIO.html
3. History of Christianity in Mizoram – Wikipedia, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Christianity_in_Mizoram
4. 1905-1906 India Revivals VIII (14 Locations) – BEAUTIFUL FEET, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://romans1015.com/1906-india-viii/
5. REVIVAL AND MISSION – Rev. G.R. Mawblei – Mizoram Presbyterian Church, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://www.mizoramsynod.org/page/262
6. Mizoram Revival Archives – BEAUTIFUL FEET, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://romans1015.com/tag/mizoram-revival/
7. Forging a Third Space for Spirituality and Social Justice: The Dynamics of Mizo Revival Movements in Interweaving Christianity a, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://ajt.atesea.net/ajt/article/download/72/48/516
8. Localisation of the Gospel, Cultural Revivals and Zo Christianity: Colonial Encounter and the Zo Hnahthlak – Salesian College, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://publications.salesiancollege.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Localisation-of-the-Gospel-Cultural-Revivals-and-Zo-Christianity.pdf
9. Lengkhawm Zai: A Singing Tradition of Mizo Christianity in Northeast India – Durham e-Theses, accessed on December 18, 2024, http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/6376/1/Thesis_Complete.pdf
10. Rethinking Secularization Process in Mizoram – International Journal of Scientific Research and Reviews, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://www.ijsrr.org/down_2598.php
11. The Ten Greatest Revivals Ever: from Pentecost to the Present – Christian Leaders, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://christianleaders.org/mod/resource/view.php?id=33487
12. Shillong Revival (2006-2007) – India, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://www.byfaith.co.uk/paulbyfaithtvmathewthoughts19.htm
13. 1905 The Mukti Revival, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://revival-library.org/histories/1905-the-mukti-revival/
14. Early Twentieth Century Revivals: Worldwide Revivals – Renewal Journal, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://renewaljournal.com/2014/04/28/early-twentieth-century-revivals-worldwide-revivals/
15. 1906 Aurangabad, India, Revival (5 Locations) – BEAUTIFUL FEETBEAUTIFUL FEET, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://romans1015.com/aurangabad-revival/
16. Cultural Revitalization and the Experience of Revival Movement in Mizoram (1906-1937), accessed on December 18, 2024, http://14.139.58.200/ojs/index.php/summerhill/article/download/1072/1031/