Up to the year 1890, our forefathers did not stay at a particular place for more than 3 or 4 one place to another in search of better environment, habitation, vegetation and a good source of water or may be because they years . They always shifted from were always at war with another or may be due to so superstitious beliefs, but it is very seldom that we come across instances of a chief shifting his village from one place to another in search of shelter from their enemies.

Mizoram Model Village

The decision to shift a village in Mizoram is planned well in advance The village chief selects two or three village elders who alone with some youths of the village go out to survey a certain area fit for a living, if it has a good source of water supply. The surveyors take with them an instrument to see the area they have chosen fits in every respect. At times a simple method of inquiry is applied to find out if the place or area they have surveyed is suitable for the construction of a new village. Thus, one can say that before deciding upon a new village, every detail is very carefully looked into.

Once a selection is made the planning of the village is the next step, certain plots or areas of land is again specified for building of houses. The first and the most important task is selection of the best plot in the center of the residential area where the house of the chief shall be built. The chief's house is built in the center of the village with a large compound; it should stand out significantly to symbolize the village.

Mizoram Model Hut

The next step is to look for a site where the "Zawlbuk" or the bachelor's dormitory shall be constructed. This house should be constructed on a small hillock not far from the chief's house. Thirdly, they decide as to where the elders shall build their houses.

They are each given plots around the chief's compounds and the house of the chief elder should be just below the house of the chief. Thus, one can notice that the chief and the village elders occupy the best sites in a village. The next in line to choose their sites are the surveyors and it is only after them that the ordinary villagers select portions to build their houses.

Khawbung, Mizoram

After deciding but before shifting to a new site, villagers can start cultivation of crops in a new area in advance which nearer to the proposed new village site. After clearing the jungles the villagers start collecting materials whatever necessary to start a new village and it is only after they are completely ready that the chief and his entire village shifts to a new site.

Reiek Village, Mizoram

A typical Mizo village is usually located on a hill with a good view of the surroundings and also have the advantage of being on the alert to check on the activities of their enemies. A Mizo village always has a wall constructed around it and on the top of the wall are placed sharp pointed bamboos known as' Dai sakuh to prevent the enemies from climbing over the wall and at the entrance to the village is a duty post where the village youths take turns to be on guard against any intruders. Again, inside the village is built another wall around the chief's house to shelter the old, the weak, the children and the properties in case of any attack.