- Ziona Chana, who was believed to have had the largest
family in the world, has died. - Chana had at least 89 children, 36 grandchildren, and 38 wives.
- Chana was the leader of a Christian sect in India and reportedly died of hypertension and diabetes.
Ziona Chana, who was believed to have had the biggest family in the world, has died at the age of 76 years old.
He had at least 89 children, 36 grandchildren, and 38 wives.
The chief minister of Mizoram, Zoramthanga, confirmed Chana's
-Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) June 13, 2021
"With heavy heart, #Mizoram bid farewell to Mr. Zion-a (76), believed to head the world's largest family, with 38 wives and 89 children," Zoramthanga wrote. "Mizoram and his village at Baktawng Tlangnuam has become a major tourist attraction in the state because of the family."
"Rest in Peace Sir," Zoramthanga added.
Chana died of hypertension and diabetes, according to the BBC.
The outlet also reported that Chana was pronounced dead at a hospital on Sunday after he grew sicker at his home in his village of Baktawng Tlangnuam.
Chana was the leader of a Christian religious sect, Chana Pawl, that allowed polyamory for men, according to the New York Post.
Chana Pawl was formed by Chana's grandfather in 1942 and has approximately 2,000 followers, according to the BBC. Chana met his oldest wife when he was just 17 years old.
As Zoramthanga mentioned in his tweet, Chana and his family became a global tourist attraction, with people from all over the world traveling to their village to see their massive four-story house that features over 100 rooms.
Although Chana's family is massive and has been featured in "Ripley's Believe It or Not" twice, according to the BBC, it's difficult to determine if the Chanas are actually the largest family in existence.
In addition, the exact number of members in Chana's family is unknown, as conflicting reports give different numbers.
For instance, The Hindu said Chana had 94 children and 39 wives, while most outlets report he had 89 children.