Ziona Chana, residing in Baktawng village in the Indian state of Mizoram, is recognized globally for his exceptionally large family. With a family consisting of 181 members, Ziona shares his life with 39 wives, 94 children, 14 daughters-in-law, and 33 grandchildren. This enormous family lives together in a 100-room mansion, designed with vast communal spaces to accommodate the unique lifestyle and activities of such a large group.
Ziona's household functions through a well-organized system where family duties are distributed among the wives and children. Meals for the entire family, which involve vast quantities of food prepared in industrial-sized kitchens, are a testament to their unique way of life. The family's living arrangements are also intriguing, with Ziona’s wives sharing a dormitory near his private bedroom.
This unique family structure is influenced by Ziona’s religious beliefs. He is the head of a religious sect called “Chana,” which permits polygamy. Established by his father in 1942, the sect now includes a sizeable number of local followers and has its practices woven around the community life in Baktawng village.
Aside from the curiosity and astonishment that this family generates, Ziona's story raises questions about the social, economic, and environmental impacts of such large family units in modern society. The family has become a significant local tourist attraction, providing additional income and increasing the economic activities in the area. However, managing such a family also comes with challenges, including the social and educational needs of Ziona's children and grandchildren, as well as maintaining harmony among the numerous family members.
Ziona's way of life offers a rare window into communal living and extreme forms of family structures, highlighting the diversity of human societies. It exemplifies how cultural, religious beliefs, and personal charisma can shape lives in the most extraordinary ways.
