Tedim

History

The name "Tedim" was derived from a pool in the hills that used to twinkle in the sunlight. Therefore it was called te-dim (twinkling, shiny) in the local Tedim language (which is also called "Tedim pau").

As the Zomi lacked a formal writing system in the past, the story of Tedim mostly depends on oral tradition. Establishment of Tedim is ascribed to Gui Mang II, a powerful prince from the then ruling Guite family in the region (c. 1600). However, due to the untimely death of Gui Lun (the fifth generation from Gui Mang II), Tedim was deserted for two generations. By the time of Pum Go, Tedim was reestablished as the political base of the Guite family. At the time of Mang Suum II, son of Pum Go, the allied force of the Pawihangs began their advance in the region and attacked Tedim. Tedim was again deserted by many, though some local residents survived under the leadership of Mang Gin from the Hatlangh family. In 1840, in order to secure peace, the remaining citizens invited the leadership of Kam Hau of Mualbem, of the emerging Sukte family, since they had good military and political ties with the Zahau family of the Pawis.

When British rule began in 1824, Tedim was chosen as the local residence for the District Officer.

Geography

The ranges of Hills of Thangmual include Kennedy's Peak, Lunglenkawl, the Rih Bual, the Hausapi, the Gullu Mual, the Zangmualli, the Tuikangpi, the Suangsuang, and the Lentangmual. There are dams, caves, peaks, and other attractions, including Lennupa Mual, the Twin Fairy Hill and other historic sites.

References

References

1. Thang Mu An. (5 April 2016). "Tedim Ah Innthak Khan Cihtak In Khang". Zomi News Journal.
2. (August 2014). "Tedim Khuapi tangthu leh Limlaak tuamtuam te". Laibu Saal.
3. C. 1820, by C. Tuan.
4. Sing K. Khai, ''Zo People and Their Culture'' (Lamka, Churachanpur, India: Kampu Hatzaw, 1995), 25-27 (Khai comments on the emergence of the Sukte family as a matter of fear of the Pawis of present Falam, that Khan Thuam and his son, Kam Hau, ruled as their vassal).