A Mizoram man believed to have headed the world’s largest family died at Aizawl on Sunday. Ziona Chana, 76, suffered from diabetes and hypertension.
Chana, a resident of Baktawng Tlangnuam village in Serchhip district of the small north-eastern state had 38 wives and 89 children and a large number of grandchildren
“With a heavy heart, Mizoram bid(s) farewell to Mr Ziona (76), believed to head the world’s largest family with 38 wives and 89 children,” Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga tweeted. “Mizoram and his village Baktawng Tlangnuam has become a major tourist attraction in the state because of the family. Rest in peace Sir,” he added.
Ziona built a four-storied house called Chhuan Thar Run (New Generation Home) in the mountainous village of Baktawng Tlangnuam. His family including all wives, his sons and their families stayed together. His daughters stayed separately with their husbands and their families. They are supported by their own resources and occasional donations from followers. The village became a huge tourist attraction because of them. The family has been featured twice by “Ripley’s Believe it or not” in 2011 and 2013.
Ziona, was the head of Chana pawl, a minor Christian sect formed in 1942 in Mizoram by his father. The sect follows the practice of polygamy. He had met his first wife when he was 17-year-old, while she was three years older to him then. He married his last wife in 2004.
