Assam University professor discoveres 8th century Hindu-Buddhist sculptures near Assam-Mizoram border

In a groundbreaking archaeological revelation, Professor Ganesh Nandi and Dr. Binoy Paul, scholars from Assam University Silchar, have brought to light a collection of 1500-year-old sculptures bearing Hindu and Buddhist influences. The discovery, situated on a hill near the Assam-Mizoram border, provides valuable insights into an ancient civilization that once flourished in the region, according to reports by the Hindustan Times.

The sculptures, unearthed in Kolalian village, Mamit district, Mizoram, serve as a testament to the region's rich cultural and religious heritage. A significant number of inhabitants in this area belong to the Reang Tribes, recognized for their devotion to Hindu deities. Dr. Nandi and Dr. Paul undertook a challenging expedition, crossing state borders and navigating dense jungles to reach the remote site where these remarkable sculptures were found.

Among the notable discoveries is a life-sized statue with a feminine structure, reminiscent of Lord Buddha in both attire and style. Dr. Nandi, an Assistant Professor at Assam University's Department of Visual Arts, expressed some uncertainty regarding the specific deity represented but drew attention to similarities with Buddha idols discovered in Cambodia. The artistic style of these sculptures aligns with artifacts found in Tripura's Unakoti and Pilak, dating back to the 7th to 9th centuries.

The artistic features of the sculptures echo the Gupta and Paul eras, spanning from 7500 to 1200 CE. Professor Nandi meticulously documented and photographed the damaged statues, emphasizing the intricate embellishments, particularly on female structures, reminiscent of stone works from the Paul and Gupta eras.

Notably, the local villagers had been safeguarding the stone structures, considering them sacred and embodying their gods, despite being overlooked by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and other researchers. In response to this significant discovery, ASI Guwahati is gearing up to explore the site in collaboration with a team from Assam University Silchar. This joint effort aims to unravel the historical significance of the sculptures, shedding light on the mysteries of an ancient civilization concealed for centuries in the dense jungles near the Assam-Mizoram border.