Mizoram’s Zion-a Chana, head of ‘world’s largest family’, dies in Aizawl
Ziona Chana, the man who boasted of the largest family in the world, passed away on Sunday in his village Baktawng Tlangnuam, Mizoram.
He leaves behind 38 wives, 89 children, 33 grandchildren, and a couple of great grandchildren.
Chana’s demise was confirmed by Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga. He took to his official Twitter handle and said, “With heavy heart, #Mizoram bid farewell to Mr. Zion-a (76), believed to head the world’s largest family, with 38 wives and 89 children.”
“Mizoram and his village at Baktawng Tlangnuam has become a major tourist attraction in the state because of the family. Rest in Peace Sir!” he added.
Ziona hailed from the village of Baktawng in central Serchhip district, which is 100 kilometres to the south of Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram. He was born on 21 July 1945. He married at the age of 17 to Zathiangi, his first wife, who was older than him by three years.
He built a four-storied mansion to accommodate his large family. The house is called the “Chhuan Thar Run” or the House of the New Generation and is located in the mountainous village of Baktawng.
Chana, whose religious sect has some 400 members, had once famously said, “To expand my sect, I am willing to go even to the U.S. to marry.”
During a press interview, one of his sons had explained that Chana, whose grandfather also had many wives, married the poor women from the village so he could look after them.