In a village in Mizoram, one man became known around the world for the size of his family. Ziona Chana, who died in June 2021 at the age of 75, was widely described as the head of the world’s largest family. At one point, 181 members of his family lived under one roof including his 39 wives, 94 children, 14 daughters-in-law, 33 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.Their home, a four-storey mansion looked more like a boarding house than a conventional family residence. It had separate living spaces, a guesthouse for visitors and enough room to accommodate one of the most unusual households in India. But behind the headlines about the world’s biggest family was a man who had built his life around a religious community, a large household and a way of living that attracted visitors from across the world.
Who was Ziona Chana ?
Zion-a Chana, commonly known as Ziona Chana, was the leader of a Christian sect in Mizoram that practised polygamy. The group, known as Chana Pawl, was founded by his father, Khuangtuaha, in June 1942. The sect had around 2,000 members, many of whom lived in and around Baktawng Tlangnuam in Mizoram. The community followed a self-sustaining way of life, with families living close to one another.Chana became the most widely known member of the group because of the size of his own family. Over the years, his household grew to include dozens of wives, children and grandchildren, turning the remote village into a destination for curious visitors.
A family of 39 wives, 94 children and 33 grandchildren
Chana married his first wife, Zathiangi, when he was 17 years old. She was three years older than him and was regarded as the head wife. She supervised household work and helped maintain discipline within the family. Over the years, Chana married 39 women. His last marriage reportedly took place in 2004. The number changed over time as the family grew and some members moved into separate homes. The size of the family made Chana a familiar name in international media.
Inside the four-storey mansion
For many people, seeing the mansion offered a glimpse into how such a large household functioned under one roof.
The family lived in a large house called Chhuan Thar Run, which means the House of the New Generation. Located in Baktawng, the mansion was built to accommodate the growing household and reportedly had around 100 rooms. The building also had a khualbuk, or guesthouse, for visitors who travelled to the village. Chana had a double bedroom on the ground floor. His wives reportedly followed a roster, taking turns to spend time with him. His younger wives lived close to his room, while the older wives stayed in dormitories on the first floor.The household was organised around shared responsibilities. The large number of family members meant that cooking, cleaning and other daily tasks had to be divided among them. The home’s layout and the family’s living arrangements became a major point of interest for visitors. For many people, seeing the mansion offered a glimpse into how such a large household functioned under one roof.
How the family managed daily life
A family of this size required a strict routine. Chana’s wives took turns cooking, while his daughters helped with cleaning and washing. The family also grew crops and raised animals for meat and milk. This helped support the household’s daily needs and was part of the community’s self-sustaining lifestyle. According to a TOI report, the family consumed around 200 pounds of rice and more than 130 pounds of potatoes every day. The family also had its own school, where Chana’s grandchildren and other children from the village were taught. Members were reported to speak Mizo, English and Hindi.
Why Ziona Chana did not accept the Guinness record
His family was nevertheless listed as the “Biggest Family” in 2011 by the World Record Academy.
Chana was often described as the head of the world’s largest existing family. However, he did not officially accept a Guinness World Records title. In 2007, Guinness officials reportedly visited him after he was proposed for a record. But Chana refused to have his photograph taken. In 2011, he explained to a CNN reporter that he did not want the publicity. The supplied details also state that he declined the record title when Guinness officials were verifying the claim.His family was nevertheless listed as the “Biggest Family” in 2011 by the World Record Academy and The Wall Street Journal. London World Records listed Ziona as the head of the world’s biggest family in 2019.
The village that became a tourist attraction
Baktawng Tlangnuam, a mountainous village in Mizoram, became closely associated with the Chana family. Visitors travelled to the village to see the four-storey mansion and learn about the family’s way of life. The house, with its many rooms and large shared spaces, became one of the most recognised attractions in the area. Chana’s family also featured in international media, bringing attention to the village and the religious community he led.
Ziona Chana’s death in June 2021
Chana died on June 13, 2021, at a private hospital in Aizawl. He was 75. His family said he had been suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure. He was unable to eat from June 7 and became unconscious on June 11. Doctors from Aizawl visited his village and advised the family to take him to the city. He was shifted to Trinity Hospital in Aizawl on June 13, where doctors pronounced him dead at around 3 p.m.Following his death, Mizoram’s then Chief Minister Zoramthanga said the state was bidding farewell to a man believed to have headed the world’s largest family. He also noted that Chana’s village had become a major tourist attraction because of his family.
