| Abstract: This study explores the sophisticated astronomical knowledge system of the Mizo people, developed long before exposure to modern science or optical instruments. Through meticulous naked-eye observation of pristine night skies, Mizo ancestors identified, named, and wove intricate etiological myths around approximately 30 celestial bodies, including prominent constellations like Chhohreivung (Orion) and Zângkhua (Ursa Major). This paper argues that their astronomy was not a proto-scientific endeavour but a profound cultural and narrative enterprise deeply embedded in daily life, agricultural practices (e.g., jhum cultivation), and a holistic worldview. The analysis focuses on how purely speculative yet coherent folk narratives—such as the transformative event of Thim Zing (Great Darkness)—were constructed to explain stellar origins, often featuring humans, animals, and everyday objects. Stories behind stars like Siruk (Pleiades) or Sivahluk reveal a cosmology where the celestial and terrestrial realms are interwoven through themes of metamorphosis and social equity. Furthermore, this knowledge served practical functions: stars acted as seasonal calendars, agricultural markers, and omens. The paper concludes by highlighting the significance of this oral tradition, which demonstrates a unique, context-driven method of understanding the cosmos, emphasising keen observation, narrative ingenuity, and a symbiotic relationship with nature. It posits Mizo astronomy as a vital cultural heritage offering insights into how human communities construct meaning from the natural world. |
