A Mizoram man, believed to be the head of the world's largest family, died on Sunday, aged 76.

Ziona Chana, who reportedly suffered from diabetes and hypertension, leaves behind 38 wives, 89 children, and 33 grandchildren.

He was the head of a religious sect called Chana Pawl in the northeastern Indian state that practiced polygamy and his family had been featured twice on the "Ripley's Believe it or Not" TV show.

The news was confirmed on Twitter "with a heavy heart" by Mizoram's chief minister, Zoramthanga.

The humungous family lives together in a four-storied house called "Chuuar Than Run" (New Generation House), which has 100 rooms. The mansion became a major tourist attraction as people around the world flocked to the Baktawng Tlangnuam village, where it's located, to take a peek into the family's lifestyle.

Ziona's sons and their wives, as well as all their children, reportedly live in different rooms in the same building, but shared a common kitchen. The family was also reportedly supported by their own resources, and occasional donations from followers.

Born in 1945, Ziona reportedly met his first wife, who was three years older than him, when he was 17, and hasn't looked back since.


Source: BBC, ndtv.com
Photo source: Getty via India Today