Head Of World’s Largest Family, With 38 Wives & 89 Children, Dies

A Mizoram man died at the age of 76 due to complications arising from diabetes and high blood pressure.

Nothing worthy of headlines there.

But hang on, Ziona Chana is not any common man. He was believed to head the world’s largest family.

A resident of Baktawng Tlangnuam village in Mizoram’s Serchhip district, Chana had 38 wives, 89 children and an army of grandchildren.

Even Zoramthanga, chief minister of the north-eastern state, mourned Chana’s death.

“With a heavy heart, Mizoram bid(s) farewell to Mr Ziona (76), believed to head the world’s largest family with 38 wives and 89 children. Mizoram and his village Baktawng Tlangnuam has become a major tourist attraction in the state because of the family. Rest in peace Sir,” Zoramthanga tweeted.

Chana, who passed away at a private hospital in Aizawl this afternoon, was the head of Chana pawl — a Christian sect formed in 1942 by his father.

Polygamy is allowed among members of this sect.

Chana got married for the first time at the age of 17, with his wife being three years older to him.

He married his last wife in 2004.

The septuagenarian built a four-storied house which he named ‘Chhuan Thar Run’ (New Generation Home) in his village, where all his wives, sons and their families stayed.

The family with 180 members attracts a large number of tourists from across India.