The Woman Who Killed a Tiger with an Axe

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Zadingi of Mizoram: The Woman Who Killed a Tiger with an Axe

Zadingi of Mizoram: The Woman Who Killed a Tiger with an Axe

In the heart of Mizoram’s Lunglei district, nestled in the small village of Buarpui, lived a woman who would become a legend. Zadingi, also known as Pi Lalzadingi, was just 26 years old and three months pregnant when she came face to face with death — and lived to tell the tale.

The Day of the Attack

It was July 3, 1978. Zadingi had gone to collect firewood, a common chore for many women in the region. As she gathered sticks and logs, a sudden rustle in the bushes alerted her. Before she could react, a fully grown Bengal tiger leapt at her.

With nothing but her axe in hand and a fierce will to survive — not just for herself, but for her unborn child — Zadingi struck the tiger in mid-air. The blade landed perfectly on the tiger’s forehead, killing it instantly. Despite suffering an injury to her hand, Zadingi survived the attack and returned to her village as a hero.

Recognition and Legacy

In 1980, the Government of India awarded Zadingi the Shaurya Chakra, one of the highest peacetime gallantry awards. Her story became part of school textbooks in Mizoram and was passed down through generations.

The tiger’s body was preserved and is now displayed in the Mizoram State Museum in Aizawl. Zadingi’s bravery has become part of local folklore — a reminder of courage in the face of fear.

Her Final Days

After a life of quiet dignity, Zadingi passed away on July 19, 2024, at the age of 72. She had been battling colon cancer. The entire state mourned her passing. Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma called her "one of the bravest Mizo women ever." Her funeral in Buarpui was attended by community leaders, church elders, and dignitaries.

Source: The Hindu

Similar Incidents Across India

India has a rich history of people — often villagers and tribals — encountering wild animals. Here are a few similar stories of survival and bravery:

1. Phoolbasan Bai of Chhattisgarh

In 2008, Phoolbasan Bai, a woman from a tribal village in Chhattisgarh, fought off a leopard that attacked her while she was tending to her goats. Using a sickle and her shawl, she scared the animal away. She was awarded for her courage by the state government.

2. Sampat Lal from Madhya Pradesh

A farmer in Satna district, Sampat Lal was attacked by a tiger while guarding his field. Despite grave injuries, he used a stick and shouted until villagers came to his rescue. He survived the ordeal and was honored for his bravery.

3. Kamla Devi of Uttarakhand

In 2015, Kamla Devi from Chamoli district was attacked by a leopard while working in the fields. She fought the animal off with farm tools and managed to reach the hospital despite serious injuries. Her determination shocked the doctors and inspired the nation.

These stories remind us that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary acts of courage when survival is on the line.

Human-Wildlife Conflict in India

While such stories highlight human bravery, they also reveal the deepening crisis of human-wildlife conflict in India. Encroachments into forested areas, shrinking habitats, and lack of awareness are major causes of these encounters.

Organizations like Wildlife Trust of India and Nature Conservation Foundation are working to mitigate these issues through education, relocation, and conservation efforts.

Conclusion

Zadingi’s story is not just about killing a tiger. It’s about survival, motherly instinct, and courage in its purest form. Her actions, born out of necessity, became a symbol of strength and heroism that will inspire generations to come.

As we celebrate such stories, it’s also crucial to work towards sustainable solutions that ensure both human safety and wildlife protection. Heroes like Zadingi should remind us not only of courage but also of the delicate balance we must maintain with nature.

Related Reads:

Images and information courtesy: The Hindu, WTI India, Mizoram State Museum, NDTV, The Better India.

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