The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has made a startling discovery at the necropolis at Vangchhia in Mizoram — sculptures of Ganesha, Kalki, and Makara, guarded by the neolithic menhirs of the lost civilisation.

An ASI team led by archaeologist Sujeet Nayan had stumbled upon the necropolis, in itself a startling discovery, in 2016. Further study conducted over a period of two months by the local circle in Guwahati earlier this year revealed these deities in January. Incidentally, Minister of State for Culture, Mahesh Sharma, will travel to Aizawl on September 12 to inaugurate the new local circle office of the ASI.

The study was conducted by Superintending Archaeologist Dr Milan Chauley, Deputy Superintending Archaeologist Dr Tejas Girg, and Assistant Archaeologist Salam Shyam Singh, of the Guwahati Circle.

"Many such water pavilions (Makara figure with water channel) were encountered during the exploration. Besides, a few Hindu deities and human sculptures carved out of the natural rock are also worth mentioning (sic)," a report filed by the team to the ASI headquarters stated.

The menhirs (megaliths) of the Champai district, under which Vangchhia falls, have been a fixture in the local culture for ages. At the direction of the local INTACH chapter, the ASI, under Sujeet Nayan, explored the area and found one of the world's largest necropolis.

During the initial study, the ASI found several water pavilions, a stairway bordering Myanmar called the 'Ancestor's Pathway', handmade buff pottery, retaining walls, and a plethora of wall carvings, among other things.

"In our initial study of a square kilometre area, where the presence of over 171 menhirs was known, we found over 207 menhirs. This year, we intend to explore the entire catchment area," Nayan said.

P Rohmingthanga of the Aizawl INTACH chapter, who directed the ASI team to the spot, however, said the possibility of finding Hindu deities in the area was "far fetched".

"The area was inhabited by Mizo people, who inhabited parts of Myanmar, Bangladesh and the neighbouring states of Manipur, Assam, and Tripura. It is not possible for any Hindu civilisation to have flourished in the area," Rohmingthanga said.

He added that owing to influences from the Hindu kingdom in neighbouring Manipur and perhaps, Tripura, there were some Hindu structures in the vicinity.

"There are two structures of Hindu deities in other parts of the Champai district, one in Mamit, bordering Assam's Cachar district, and another in Nunglei, near the Bangladesh border. But, it is not possible for any such sculpture to be in Vangchhia," Rohmingthanga said, adding that he will take up the matter with Sharma.

Period confusion

Charcoal samples sent for carbon dating to two labs throw up different periods. Sample sent to Florida belongs 1450 and 1500 AD; Lucknow dates to 600 AD