The Chin People: A Brief Overview

The Chin people are an ethnic group primarily residing in Chin State, a mountainous region in western Myanmar (Burma), bordering India and Bangladesh. They are part of the broader Zo or Zomi ethnic family, comprising numerous subgroups such as Asho, Laimi, Khumi, Mizo, and Zomi, each with distinct dialects of Tibeto-Burman languages.

Population estimates suggest around 1.5–2 million Chin worldwide, with the majority in Myanmar and diaspora communities in India, Malaysia, and the United States due to migration and refugee flows.

History and Origins

Chin oral traditions trace their origins to a mythical place called Chinlung (or variants like Sinlung), from which they emerged and migrated southward. Historically independent, they lived in tribal societies ruled by chiefs until British colonial annexation in the late 19th century, which ended inter-tribal wars and raids.

Post-independence in 1948, the Chin were one of the founding ethnic groups of the Union of Burma but faced marginalization under military regimes.

Culture and Traditions

Traditionally animist, worshipping spirits and a supreme deity (Pathian), the Chin largely converted to Christianity (mostly Baptist) starting in the early 20th century through American missionaries — today, about 90% are Christian, blending faith with cultural identity.

Notable traditions include elaborate woven textiles and, among older women of certain subgroups, intricate facial tattoos — once symbols of beauty, maturity, and protection, now fading as the practice has declined.