Bawi is a social system, which existed among the Lushias of Mizoram. Even though it was a type of slavery, to some extent it could be considered as the system of social security. A chief would have many dependants (bawis) who worked for him and who in turn received food and shelter from the chief. A dependant could get freedom from the chief only if he paid a certain amount of money. In addition to Bawis, there was another class of dependants, who were called by the name Sal. The Sals were the captives during raids. Sal groups include marriageable women and children who were treated extremely well in the family of captors.
