Khandaih Hripui (Epidemic of 1905)

 (The Great Epidemic of 1905)

Introduction

Khandaih, now known as Phullen, was founded in 1901 by Chief Vanphunga Sailo, son of Pawihbawiha Sailo. It quickly became one of the prominent villages in Mizoram during the early British period. The hardworking villagers lived by jhum cultivation, hunting, and handicrafts, surrounded by fertile hills and dense forests. Under Chief Vanphunga’s leadership, the village prospered, and in 1903, the establishment of the first mission school marked the beginning of education and Christianity in the area. Life was simple, peaceful, and full of hope and unity.

The Arrival of Christianity

Christianity entered Khandaih after the visit of Christian missionaries and local preachers. Many villagers began accepting the new faith following the establishment of the mission school on August 1, 1903. In this school, children not only learned basic education but were also taught the Gospel and Bible lessons. The school also served as a place of worship, functioning as the first church in the village.

However, the arrival of Christianity brought a cultural shock to the community. As people embraced the new faith, their customs and traditional lifestyles began to change. For Christians, Jesus Christ became their God and King, and spiritual authority replaced their loyalty to the village Chief. They stopped following some old customs and refused to work on Sundays, choosing instead to attend church services.

This angered the Chief and village elders, who felt that Christian converts were defying traditional authority and customs. As a result, tensions grew between Christians and non-Christians. The Chief and elders tried to stop conversions and discouraged others from following the new faith. However, the missionaries had the support of the British authorities, who had already conquered and administered the area. Because of this, the Chief’s power weakened, and the unity of the village began to break down.

By 1904, Khandaih was divided—Christians and non-Christians lived with growing conflict and mistrust, marking one of the earliest social divisions in the village’s history.

Outbreak of the Epidemic

In October 1905, tragedy struck the village. Villagers, including a man named Rochhunga, had traveled to Kawl ram (now Myanmar) to collect domestic supplies. The journey was long and exhausting, with poor sanitation and limited food. Upon returning, the travelers ate heartily—especially chicken meat—but soon suffered severe stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Despite using Inthawi, a traditional Mizo healing method, Rochhunga died on 24 October 1905. His death is believed to have marked the beginning of the epidemic.

Initially, villagers thought it was an isolated case. But by 16 November, more people, including children, began to fall ill and die. Around this time, a Ralleng (Naga) man visited the village, reportedly carrying the head of his deceased friend, who had died from Tuihri (cholera) in Aizawl. After his departure, additional deaths occurred, and many villagers suspected that the disease had been brought in by the visitor.

Another account says that villagers returning from Reng ram (possibly Tripura) had seen Santhal people suffering from an epidemic. Though those travelers did not fall sick, the villagers feared that the disease might have been introduced from outside.

By mid-November, the sickness spread rapidly. On 18 November 1905, a couple died after suffering severe vomiting, diarrhea, and body pain. Soon after, more villagers followed. On 28 November, Chief Vanphunga and the elders decided that all the sick and their family members should stay in their Thlam (farm huts near their cultivation fields) to isolate the disease and protect the rest of the village.

Believing the danger had passed, the Chief and elders gathered to drink rice wine together on 3 December 1905 as was their usual custom. But tragedy struck again when one of the elders suddenly fell ill with vomiting, diarrhea, and severe stomach pain. Most villagers were too afraid to help him, but Phunga and Hminga bravely carried him home, where he died that same night.

On 4 December, the epidemic spread with full force. Panic gripped the village as many fell sick simultaneously. That day, a Babu (medical assistant or compounder) arrived from Aizawl to help treat the sick. He disinfected the main water source with medicine to prevent further spread of cholera.

Beliefs and Reactions

Despite medical help, many villagers—especially non-Christians—were suspicious of the treatment. Some believed that the epidemic had not been caused by disease alone but by Sahmula, the spirit or demon king of Mawmrang mountain.

According to this belief, Sahmula had been angered by the Christian teachings that had entered Khandaih. Non-Christian villagers claimed that because Christianity was spreading and the traditional ways were being abandoned, Sahmula became enraged and punished the people by unleashing the cholera outbreak upon the village.

Others, especially the Christians, believed it was a test of faith and that only God’s mercy could save them. Thus, the epidemic not only brought physical suffering but also deepened the religious divide in the community.

Response and Aftermath

Chief Vanphunga and his elders took every possible measure to protect the remaining villagers. The sick remained in isolation, while the rest of the village was cleaned and purified according to traditional customs. People relied on both traditional healing and prayer, hoping for divine protection.

As deaths continued, fear and grief overwhelmed the community. Entire families perished, and some houses were left empty. Finally, after weeks of suffering, the epidemic began to subside.

Following the outbreak, Chief Vanphunga decided to relocate the entire village to Kawnpui, as moving to a new site was a common practice at that time for safety, convenience, or spiritual reasons. The move began in Pawltlak (December) 1905, and by 1906, the whole community had settled in their new village at Kawnpui, where they started life anew.

Legacy of Khandaih Hripui

The epidemic left a deep scar on the hearts of the survivors. It tested the courage, faith, and unity of the people, while also marking a turning point in Khandaih’s social and religious history. The tragedy of 1905 came to symbolize both human fragility and resilience.

For generations, villagers continued to tell the story of Khandaih Hripui, passing it down as a reminder of loss, endurance, and faith — and of how cultural change, belief, and disease once intertwined to shape the destiny of their village.

Conclusion

Khandaih Hripui remains one of the most tragic and defining events in the early history of Khandaih (Phullen). It claimed many lives, divided the community, and forced the people to confront fear, faith, and uncertainty. Yet it also revealed the strength and unity of the villagers who, under their Chief’s guidance, endured unimaginable hardship and rebuilt their lives from ruin.

Today, the story of Khandaih Hripui is remembered not only as a tale of sorrow but as a testament to the courage, faith, and resilience of the early settlers—a chapter of Phullen’s history that continues to teach the value of compassion, unity, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

#Buata Bawihtlung