The group's existence was recorded (along with three of its many sub-groups) in Burma's 1931 census after being absent in the Chin Hills gazette of 1896.
The Manipuri river, flowing in a south-easterly direction within the Falam township, makes a clear natural boundary of Zanniat lands.
The descendants from Phurh Hlum's first wife are known as Nuhma family, meaning previous or first in Zanniat language.
The early Chin people settled in the western plains of Sagaing when it was known as "Kauka" or "Vingpui", and later as "Kale".
Thuankai had a son named Tlaisun (Tashons people)in English) whose later became one of the strongest tribe, founder of Falam or Fahlam, ruling most parts of Chin hills.
Traditionally, Zanniat culture emphasized the importance of the rule of the head of a group of any size, from household to nation.
The people also believed in other spiritual beings known as "Khuazing", to whom they offered sacrifices in return for favours and blessings.
[citation needed] The first Protestant Christian missionaries reached the Chin Hills on 15 March 1899.