Guwahati, 9th December: In a significant archaeological breakthrough, Assistant Professor Dr. Ganesh Nandi and researcher Dr. Binoy Paul from the Department of Visual Arts at Assam University Silchar have unearthed ancient sculptures with Hindu and Buddhist influences, believed to be around 1500 years old. The artifacts were discovered in a hill area near the Assam-Mizoram border following a challenging overnight expedition through dense forests.
Found in Kolalian village within Mizoram’s Mamit district, adjacent to Assam’s Hailakandi district, the sculptures are of particular interest due to their resemblance to stone works in Tripura’s Unakoti and Pilak, dating back to the 7th to 9th centuries. The local population, mainly belonging to the Reang Tribes, practices the worship of Hindu deities.
Among the findings is a full-sized idol with a feminine structure, resembling Lord Buddha in attire and style. However, the ambiguity remains regarding whether it represents Buddha or a Hindu deity. Dr. Nandi drew parallels between the art form of this idol and Buddha idols discovered in Cambodia.
Historical accounts from The Rajmala, documenting the Manikya Kings of Tripura, suggest a possible dating of these sculptures to the period when the region was under the influence of the Tripura Kingdom. The artistic style aligns with the Gupta and Paul periods, spanning from 750-1200 CE.
Local residents, primarily the Reang Tribes, have safeguarded these sculptures for generations, worshipping them as Hindu Gods and Goddesses, including Durga, Shiva, Lakshmi, Vishnu, and Ganesh. Unfortunately, much of the original artwork has been lost due to post-1989 attacks when the region became part of Mizoram.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Guwahati is gearing up to explore the site further, with a team from Assam University Silchar accompanying them. This expedition aims to unveil the historical significance of these sculptures and potentially discover more artifacts, contributing to a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural heritage.
These findings not only enrich our comprehension of the area’s cultural history but also emphasize the imperative to preserve such historical sites. The discovery has the potential to reshape the narrative of Barak Valley and its environs, emphasizing the necessity for meticulous research and safeguarding of these ancient treasures.
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