Dongva
Dongva is a village located in the western part of Senthang, Hakha Township, Chin State. It is situated 30 miles from Hakha. Dongva village was founded in AD 1842 by Pu Lai Hrek from Phaipha village and Pu Thang Eng from Leitak. It has been approximately 180 years since the village was established. Dongva is located at an altitude of 5,724 meters above sea level.
Dongva village is officially recognized as a local village by the government, with the village code 64554 and village tract code 4002028. It lies within the area designated as E-4542790.
Nearby villages include Phaipha (A) and Phaipha (B), located 12 miles to the south of Dongva; Dinlopa village, 12 miles to the east; and Buanlung village, 12 miles to the north. Leitak village is situated 9 miles west of Dongva, across Bawipa Mountain near the Zophei district boundary. Dongva village borders five neighboring villages. Before Dongva was founded, the area was rich in animal species and vegetation, lying between Phaipha, Buanlung, and Leitak villages. The Dongva stream, which forms the boundary with Phaipha village, was named by the ancestors of Phaipha. When the new village was established, it was immediately named Dongva, a name given by the Phaipha ancestors.
During the British colonial period, Pu Rum Hmung, Lian Sai, and Tial Bik served as chiefs of Dongva village. At that time, Dongva had 90 households. The village is surrounded by Bawipa Mountain to the north and the Bawinu River to the south. A notable geographic feature is Sarau Cliff Range, located to the north of the village. It offers excellent views and sightseeing opportunities. The Sarau flower, which blooms in the summer, is a famous flower in Senthang District. Sarau Cliff marks the border between Zophei and Senthang Districts.
The villagers of Dongva primarily support themselves through farming. The village established a private school in AD 1946, which was re-established as a government school in AD 1953. Today, Dongva has a middle school serving the community.
The people of Dongva converted to Christianity in AD 1938. There are three churches and denominations in the village: Baptist Church, United Pentecostal Church, and Believer Church.
Dongva village currently has 90 households and about 500 inhabitants.
