AIZAWL, April 19: In a remarkable discovery that sheds light on Mizoram’s ancient cultural legacy, a team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has identified four previously undocumented rock art sites spread across Saitual, Champhai, Khawzawl, and Serchhip districts. The discovery was made during a detailed village-to-village survey conducted in February this year.

Based on stylistic analysis, the artwork is estimated to date between the 16th and 19th centuries; however, a definite date can be ascertained only after scientific methods are employed.

At Maite village in Saitual district, the ASI team came across a rock cliff engraved with a striking composition—a large central human figure flanked by smaller human forms, animals, gongs, a linear arrangement of mithun heads, and several unidentifiable symbols. The imagery offers a captivating tableau of symbolic expression.

In Lianpui village, located in Champhai district, the rock surface bore a rich display of imagery: a prominent human figure, multiple tiers of smaller human figures, depictions of animals and fish, traditional weapons such as spears and daos, hornbills, and geometric shapes resembling rectangular chambers. The diversity of motifs reflects the complexity and depth of the region’s prehistoric imagination.

Khawzawl district yielded two separate rock art locations. At Tualte village, researchers found carvings of mithun heads, stylised human figures, deep grooves, and rectangular shapes etched across an expansive rock face.

Meanwhile, at Chhawrtui village, another intricate set of carvings emerged, showcasing human and mithun heads arranged in rows, a peculiar circular design with tendril-like extensions, and a singular fish motif—all carefully inscribed into stone.