Sinlung

Sinlung (origin: Hmar; Chhinlung in Mizo; Chinlung in Chin; Khul in Thadou and Paite) is the supposed 'ancestral origin' of the Hmar people (or the larger Mizo people), the Chin people, etc. The exact location is unknown, but it is believed to be somewhere in southern China. Several narratives of Sinlung have been 'enshrined' largely in Hmar folklore, such as the Sikpui Hla which talks about a supposed ancestral migration.

Etymology

Several scholars agree that 'Sinlung' literally translates to 'sin' as 'lid' and 'lung' as 'stone' (in the Hmar language). Therefore, there is an assumption that Sinlung refers to a 'cave with a stone lid.'

Possible insights

Location

According to historian and anthropologist, B. Lalthangliana, the Mizos who were Tibeto-Burman most likely lived in the Tao valley in Gansu province or northeast of Tibet. The reason for the Tibeto-Burmans leaving the valley is commonly attributed to the constant wars and disturbances of the Chinese kingdoms. J Guit argues that Chhinlung, as a cavern, is most likely a place the Zo people passed through during their migrations into their current settlements rather than originated from.

Eponym

According to Lalbiakthanga, Chin Lung was the name of a king or chief. He purports that Chin Lung was the son of Qin Shi Huang who built the Great Wall. It was proposed that in rebellion to his father, one of the princes left the kingdom and settled in Burma. However, such a theory is only seen as a possible legend with little historicity.

Usage of the term

• Sinlung Hills Council in Mizoram.
• Sinlung. A book published by the Hmar Literature Society for high school (and higher secondary) students.
• Sinlung Royal Riders.