39 wives, 94 kids, 33 grandkids: Meet Mizoram man with world's biggest family

His family was listed as the 'biggest family' in the world in 2011 by the World Record Academy, 'The Wall Street Journal' in 2011, and the London World Records in 2019.

A Mizoram man, who practised polygamy, had the biggest family in the world. Ziona Chana who breathed his last at 76 in 2021, was the head of his family which consisted of 39 wives, 94 children and 33 grandkids.

Born on July 21, 1945, Ziona was the leader of Chana Pawl or Chhuanthar, a sect formed by his grandfather Khuangtuaha after he was expelled from Hmawngkawn village in 1942.

Since then, his family lives in Baktawng village, around 55 km from Aizawl. Khuangtuaha was succeeded by his son Chana, who was the father of Ziona.

His family was listed as the 'biggest family' in the world in 2011 by the World Record Academy, The Wall Street Journal in 2011, and by the London World Records in 2019.

Ziona built a four-storey mansion at Baktawng for his vast family naming it 'Chhuan Thar Run', which has now become a tourist attraction.

He married his first wife Zaṭhiangi, who is older than him by three years then, at the age of 17 and married his last wife in 2004.

Ziona was diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension at the age of 75. He had fallen dangerously sick on June 7, 2021, and had passed out on June 11 following which the doctors found that he had anemia.

He was unconscious when he was brought to the Trinity Hospital in Aizawl on June 13 and was announced dead 10 minutes after being admitted.

The hospital's director Dr Lalrintluanga Zahau had told PTI, "Ziona was suffering from diabetes and hypertension. He was undergoing treatment at his residence in Baktawng village for three days. But his condition deteriorated, and he was rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead."

The then Chief Minister Zoramthanga, state Congress chief Lal Thanhawla and Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) leader Lalduhoma had condoled Ziona's death.

"With heavy heart, Mizoram bid farewell to Mr Zion-a (76), believed to head the world's largest family...Rest in Peace Sir," Zoramthanga had said in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter).

(With PTI inputs)