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Journalism of Courage
Zion-a Chana, known as the patriarch of the “world’s largest family”, died in Aizawl on Sunday. He was 76.
Chana, who held the record for having 38 wives, 89 children and 36 grandchildren, had diabetes and hypertension. He was shifted from his residence in Baktawng Tlangnuam village to Aizawl, 60 km away, on June 11. He died at a private hospital.
CM Zoramthanga tweeted, “With heavy heart, #Mizoram bid farewell to Mr. Zion-a (76), believed to head the world’s largest family, with 38 wives and 89 children.Mizoram and his village at Baktawng Tlangnuam has become a major tourist attraction in the state because of the family. Rest in Peace Sir!”
Chana and his family lived in a four-storied house called ‘Chhuan Thar Run’ or New Generation Home. Over the years, it became a tourist hotspot, and his story was covered by international media.
In 1942, Chana’s grandfather Khuangtuaha founded a polygamous cult Chana Pawl or Chhuanthar. Chana carried it forward and it now has about 2,000 followers, all of whom live and work in a self-sustained unit around the house. About 400 families are part of the cult.
Only the ground floor of Chhuan Thar Run is open to visitors. Chana, who lived on the top floor, did not meet anyone.
