Mizoram is a highly literate agrarian economy. Slash-and-burn farming, also known as jhum, is the most common form of farming in the state.[23] In recent years, the jhum farming practices have been steadily replaced with a significant horticulture and bamboo products industry.[24][25] The state's gross state domestic product for 2012 was estimated at ₹69.91 billion (US$800 million).[6] About 20% of Mizoram's population lives below the poverty line, with 35% rural poverty as of 2014.[26] The state has about 871 kilometres of national highways, with NH–54 and NH–150 connecting it to Assam and Manipur respectively. It is also a growing transit point for trade with Myanmar and Bangladesh
The prehistory and early history of Mizoram are marked by the presence of ancient human settlements, with evidence suggesting that people inhabited the region as early as 2,000 to 3,000 years ago. The archaeological evidence from the Vangchhia site has provided insights into the region's ancient past, with human remains, ornaments, pottery, and burial practices dating back to 600 BCE and extending up to 1750 CE. Excavations at Vangchhia revealed a sophisticated culture with distinct socio-political structures of the Indo–Lushai cultural genus. This necropolis is considered one of the largest in the world.[36][37]
Similar megalithic stones have been discovered in nearby villages like Farkawn, Lianpui, Khankawn, Khawbung, and Vaphai, suggesting a widespread culture. In addition, remnants of small, man-made cave dwellings, topped with towering menhirs, were found at the hilltop village of Dungtlang. These large stones, taller than an average grown man, raise intriguing questions about their purpose, the people who erected them, and how these massive boulders were transported up steep mountain slopes from the valley below, possibly the region's only apparent stone quarry.[38]
A unique discovery at Vangchhia is the Pipute Lamlian (lit. 'grandparents' big path'), or "Ancestors' Pathway," which is a footpath that traverses the site and branches out in three directions—north, south, and east. The path is lined with rocks engraved with images of bison heads, flowers, and human figures, reminiscent of carvings found at Kawtchhuah Ropui.[39] This suggests that the region's ancient societies developed their own unique cultural practices, separate from other civilisations, with trade connections extending across the region, including Bangladesh, Mainland India, and Myanmar.[40]
Among the most significant findings is a 200-metre long water pavilion, a stone structure resembling those found in Mughal cities.[41][42] This water pavilion, likely used as a recreational arena, is surrounded by an elevated platform, suggesting its role in entertainment and social gatherings. The discovery of such a feature points to the possibility of a much larger, lost civilisation, and further excavation is essential to draw definitive conclusions about the site's full historical significance.[43]