Joint family an Indian concept prevalent among Hindus is not usually followed in Northeast India. In this Christian dominated part of the country, people are typically more educated and ‘westernized’. But Ziona Chana from Mizoram thinks ‘differently’.
Chana is the ‘proud’ head of a huge sized family of 39 wives, 94 children, 14-daughters-in-laws and 33 grandchildren. To lodge his huge family he has constructed a 100-room, four storey building in Baktwang village. It almost looks like a hotel.
Ziona mansion with 100 rooms is the biggest concrete structure in the hilly village of Baktawng
'I consider myself a lucky man to be the husband of 39 women and head of the world's largest family' says Chana. The family is organized with approximately military discipline, with the oldest wife Zathiangi organising her fellow partners to perform household chores such as cleaning, washing and preparing meals. One evening meal can see them pluck 30 chickens, peel 132lb of potatoes and boil up to 220lb of rice.
Chana family stuff just to make a meal
He sleeps in his own double-bedded room while his wives have to regulate in dormitories. The younger wives stay in rooms closer to his room.
He keeps the youngest women near to his bedroom with the older members of the folks sleeping further away - and there is a rotation system for who visits Mr Chana's bedroom.
Surprisingly, all the wives get along very well and there is barely any infighting among them.
Mr Chana is not finished yet. “To expand my family, I am willing to go even to the United States to marry” he proudly says.
