In Kolalian village, situated in Mizoram’s Mamit district and adjacent to Assam’s Hailakandi district, explorers discovered these sculptures. After embarking on a challenging overnight trek through dense forests, they found these artifacts in a hilly region near the Assam-Mizoram border.
The Reang Tribes, primarily practicing Hindu deity worship, inhabit the area where explorers discovered these sculptures in Kolalian village within Mizoram’s Mamit district, near Assam’s Hailakandi district.
Dr. Nandi observed resemblances between these stone works and those in Tripura’s Unakoti and Pilak, dating from the 7th to the 9th centuries.
One of the findings included a life-sized idol displaying feminine features, resembling Lord Buddha in clothing and style. Yet, there is ambiguity regarding whether it signifies Buddha or a Hindu deity. Dr. Nandi also highlighted similarities between the artistic style of this idol and Buddha idols uncovered in Cambodia.
The Rajmala, a historical record detailing the Manikya Kings of Tripura, suggests that these sculptures may have originated from the period when the area was under the influence of the Tripura Kingdom. The artistic style of the sculptures aligns with the Gupta and Paul periods, spanning from 7500 to 1200 CE.
For generations, the local inhabitants have safeguarded these sculptures, venerating them as Hindu deities like Durga, Shiva, Lakshmi, Vishnu, and Ganesh. Regrettably, a significant portion of the original artwork has been compromised due to destruction linked to attacks following 1989, when the area became part of Mizoram.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Guwahati is preparing to further investigate the site, and a team from Assam University Silchar will join them. The objective of this expedition is to illuminate the historical importance of these sculptures and potentially reveal additional artefacts.
The revelations not only enhance our comprehension of the area’s diverse cultural legacy but also emphasize the significance of safeguarding such historical locations. This discovery holds the promise of reshaping the history of Barak Valley and its environs, underscoring the necessity for thorough research and the protection of these age-old treasures.
