8th century Hindu-Buddhist sculptures discovered near Assam-Mizoram border
- In Reports
- 11:50 AM, Dec 08, 2023
- Myind Staff
An archaeological discovery by Assistant Professor Dr. Ganesh Nandi and researcher Dr. Binoy Paul from Assam University’s Department of Visual Arts has unveiled ancient Hindu and Buddhist-influenced sculptures believed to be around 1500 years old. The artifacts were found in a hill area near the Assam-Mizoram border, following an arduous journey through the forests that spanned almost an entire night.
The researchers reported that they discovered the sculptures in Kolalian village in Mizoram’s Mamit district, situated adjacent to Hailakandi district. The majority of the local population in the area belongs to the Reang Tribes, practicing worship of Hindu deities.
Dr. Nandi pointed out that these stone works exhibit similarities with sculptures discovered in Tripura’s Unakoti and Pilak, believed to have been created between the 7th and 9th centuries. He stated, “We posit that the sculptures found in Kolalian were crafted during a similar period.”
He noted that they discovered only one full-sized idol, resembling Lord Buddha in attire and style, yet exhibiting characteristics of a female structure. Dr. Nandi expressed uncertainty regarding whether it represents Buddha or a Hindu deity but highlighted that the art form shares similarities with Buddha idols found in Cambodia.
According to Dr. Nandi, The Rajmala, the historical account of the Manikya Kings of Tripura, recounts that Maharaja Dhanya Manikya dispatched his General, Rai Kachak, to this region to quell Reang rebels. Rai Kachak reportedly conducted a Durga Puja at this site. Dr. Nandi added, “Among the numerous small kingdoms under Tripura’s Manikya Kingdom, this Reang group was one. Local folktales narrate that Rai Kachak spent some time here and organized Durga Puja at this hill.”
According to The Rajmala, Dhanya Manikya served as the Maharaja of Tripura from 1490 to 1515 CE, with Rai Kachak holding the position of his general. Numerous temples, adorned with exquisite stone works, including the Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaypur, were reportedly constructed during Dhanya Manikya's reign.
However, there exists no evidence to confirm whether the stone works in Kolalian were crafted during that particular period. Professor Nandi indicated that the artistic style of these sculptures aligns with the art forms prevalent during the Gupta and Paul periods (between 7500-1200 CE).
“Examining the style of the stone works, the intricacy of ornaments, and the attire of the idols, we can assert that these bear a striking resemblance to the stone works executed during the Gupta and Paul periods. Similar references are found in Tripura’s Unakoti and Pilak as well. It is my hope that we may discover more idols in this region,” Nandi remarked.
Ancient Cachar, known as the Kingdom of Hidamba in Rajmala, was once part of the Tripura Kingdom. Professor Nandi suggests this could be the period when these sculptures were created, requiring detailed research for conclusive findings.
Professor Nandi photographed broken idols and found similarities in ornaments, especially on female structures, with stone works from the Paul and Gupta periods. Undiscovered by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and past researchers, locals, considering the stone works as their gods, have protected the site. Professor Nandi stated, "Our research indicates these sculptures are undoubtedly the oldest artworks of this kind in Barak Valley’s history."
Local residents in Kolalian recall the hill was once adorned with various artworks, but now only a few remain. Pitaram Reang notes, "We believe in the Hindu religion, and for generations, we have been offering Puja to these idols as Hindu Gods and Goddesses." Pradip Kumar Reang adds that forts and stone works related to Reang Tribal kings in Kolalian, Rengdil, and surrounding areas were destroyed by outsiders. He believes that 90% of the precious sculptures have been lost, attributing the destruction to attacks that began after the region became part of Mizoram in 1989.
They worship the idols as Durga, Shiva, Lakshmi, Vishnu, and Ganesh, forming the core of their civilization. Despite vulnerability, they hold steadfast to their unbreakable beliefs. Dr. Jayanta Bhushan Bhattacharjee, a senior researcher, expressed surprise at the existence of such important works in Barak Valley, even after decades of working on historical monuments in the region.
Bhattacharjee highlighted the oral nature of the region's history, often lacking concrete evidence. The discovery by Professor Nandi and his scholars has the potential to reshape the history of Barak Valley and its surroundings. Bhattacharjee stressed the importance of preserving and protecting these findings, anticipating the upcoming visit by the Archaeological Survey of India, which may unveil additional works at the site.
An official from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Guwahati stated that they are making arrangements to visit the area, with a team from Assam University Silchar accompanying them.
Image source: Hindustan Times
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