Vaphai is a village at the extreme east of Champhai district of Mizoram.
Geography and location
Vaphai, with an average altitude of 5,686 feet (1,733 m) above sea level, lies about 11 km east of Tehsil Main Town Khawbung.
Etymology
Its original name was "Ivaphai", which literally means "Plains of the river Iva", referring to its original location in the river valley slightly west of its present location. The first syllable got dropped probably by elision in course of time. It is situated at an average altitude of 5,686 feet (1,733 m) above sea level.
History
The village was established by Pu Mitinlianan in 1876 who started ruling the village for 45 years till his death in 1921. It was then ruled by Pu Chawnghleithanga in 1922 (1 year), who then passed it on to his son Pu Thatinchhuma who ruled till 1937 (14 years). And who then passed it on to his wife Pi Satinkhawli ruled till 1944. The last chieftainship was held by Pu Lalrokhama (10 years) until the abolition of chieftainship in 1954.
Demographics
According to the 2011 census of India, Vaphai has 454 households. The effective literacy rate (i.e. the literacy rate of population excluding children aged 6 and below) is 95.25%.
+ Demographics (2011 Census) Total Male Female Population 2252 1144 1108 Children aged below 6 years 419 198 221 Scheduled caste 0 0 0 Scheduled tribe 2203 1109 1094 Literates 1746 911 835 Workers (all) 1123 621 502 Main workers (total) 1108 618 490 Main workers: Cultivators 821 431 390 Main workers: Agricultural labourers 109 58 51 Main workers: Household industry workers 9 7 2 Main workers: Other 169 122 47 Marginal workers (total) 15 3 12 Marginal workers: Cultivators 5 1 4 Marginal workers: Agricultural labourers 3 1 2 Marginal workers: Household industry workers 0 0 0 Marginal workers: Others 7 1 6 Non-workers 1129 523 606
Tourism
Since the Mizos moved into Mizoram from the east, most historical monuments and places of cultural importance are to be found in eastern Mizoram and Burma.
Ṭan tláng, lit. Ṭan mountain, with a height of 6,027 feet (1,837 m) is the fifth-tallest mountain in Mizoram.
Economy and border haat trade
Vaphai (Saikhumphai) is one of the 4 Border Haats (markets) in Mizoram, others being at Sangau (Pangkhua), Hnahlan and Zote, all of which boost the local trade and economy.Outlook India India, Myanmar likely to set up four Border Haats, Outlook India, 20 Aug 2019.
Transport and connectivity
Zokhawthar (88 km north) provides connectivity to India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway (IMT),The Role of BIMSTEC in Revitalising India’s Northeast, ORF, 23 Jun 2021. and Asian Highway Network and Asian Highway 1 (AH1).New road, rail links to make Manipur gateway to SE Asia: CM, The Hindu, November 08, 2018.
See also
Borders of India
References