Prelims– Current events of National Importance | History of India.
Mains (GS I) – Indian Heritage and Culture.
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The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has announced the discovery of 4 centuries-old rock art sites in Mizoram, estimated to date between the 16th and 19th centuries.
Survey conducted areas - Champhai, Khawzawl, Saitual, and Serchhip districts.
Findings - In Maite village, a rock cliff features a prominent human figure surrounded by smaller human figures, animals, gongs, a row of mithun heads, and some unidentified symbols.
The mithun (Bos frontalis) is a semi-domesticated bovine found in the region.
Carvings found at Lianpui in Champhai district include a prominent human figure, stacked rows of human figures, animals, fish, spears, dao (a type of machete), hornbills, and rectangular chambers.
In Khawzawl district, findings at Tualte included etched mithun heads, human figures, grooved marks, and rectangular figurines on a vast rock surface.
At Chhawrtu, also in Khawzawl, carvings comprised a unique combination of human figures, mithun heads, rows of human heads, a circular figurine with tendril-like lines, and a fish motif, all intricately carved.
These discoveries highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Mizoram and the artistic expression of its ancient inhabitants.
Vangchhia site - The recently identified rock art sites, recommended for preservation, are situated in the area around Vangchhia in the Champhai district.
In January 2016, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recognized Vangchhia as a location with indications of a substantial settlement, possibly linked to a "lost civilization" from the Neolithic Era, and referred to it as a "living history museum."
The Vangchhia site, covering about 45 square kilometres yielded pictographs etched on large stone slabs, menhirs (large standing stones), a necropolis (a large burial ground), and other relics.
Particularly noteworthy were a structure identified as a water pavilion and numerous strategically drilled holes, ranging from less than one foot to one metre in diameter, found in sandstones across several hill slopes.
Archaeologists developed theories behind the seemingly simple science of water harvesting techniques employed at Vangchhia, likely capable of sustaining local populations for at least a year.
They noted how inhabitants appeared to have trapped rainwater flowing down slopes by utilizing natural fissures and veins in the rocks, enhanced by the drilled holes.
Researchers suggested this natural adaptation might have obviated the need for constructing large water tanks, despite the apparent capability to do so.
Among the theories proposed for the drilled holes were denying enemies easy access to water sources, luring animals for hunting, and possible ritualistic practices.
However, all theories converged on the primary function of efficient water harvesting.
