Kawtchhuah Ropui

Kawtchhuah Ropui

Kawtchhuah Ropui
Kawtchhuah Ropui Menhirs
Location in Mizoram, India Show map of Mizoram Kawtchhuah Ropui (India) Show map of India
Location	Vangchhia, Champhai district, Mizoram, India
Coordinates	23°17′48″N93°22′39″E / 23.2967°N 93.3776°E / 23.2967; 93.3776
Type	Megalithic site
Area	approx. 45 km²
History
Material	Sandstone
Founded	Estimated 14th–15th century CE or earlier
Abandoned	Unknown
Periods	Iron Age, possibly Neolithic
Cultures	Mizo
Site notes
Excavation dates	2016–2019
Archaeologists	Archaeological Survey of India
Condition	Preserved
Ownership	Government of India
Management	Archaeological Survey of India
Public access	Yes

Kawtchhuah Ropui (literally The Great Entranceway in the Mizo language) is an archaeological heritage site located near Vangchhia village in Champhai district, Mizoram, India. ^[1] It comprises around 170 menhirs (standing stones) engraved with human and animal figures, floral motifs, and weapons. In 2012, the site was declared Mizoram’s first centrally protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). ^[2]

History and designation

In 2011, the ASI conducted a survey and confirmed the significance of the Vangchhia site. It was subsequently notified as a site of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. ^[2]

Significance

The site contained over 170 engraved menhirs aligned along a pathway at the entrance to the village. ^[3] Some of these menhirs are up to 15 feet tall, featuring engraved images of humans, animals, ceremonial items, traditional Mizo hunting practices, images of Mizo musical instruments and heroes from the community’s legends. A necropolis, retaining walls, and a "water pavilion"—a structure with drilled holes, likely for water storage were also found. ^{[4] [5]}

Initial ASI assessments dated the site to the 14th–15th century CE. However, excavated pottery and the presence of nearby Neolithic caves suggest that the area may have been occupied much earlier. ^[6]

In Mizo tradition, large stone monuments—known as lungdawh—were erected to commemorate individuals of importance. The scale and detail of Kawtchhuah Ropui make it one of the most elaborate of such sites, possibly serving as a ceremonial or communal space. ^[3]

Tourism and preservation

The Government of Mizoram allocated ₹5.2 crore for infrastructure development, including pathways, rest areas, and interpretation boards. ^[7]

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See also

• Vangchhia
• Lianpui Menhirs
• Archaeology in India

References

1. PTI (2025-07-18). "ASI declares Mizoram's Lianpui menhirs monument of national importance". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 2025-07-27.
2. "Mizo village a 'site of nat'l importance'". The Times of India. 17 August 2011. Retrieved 25 July 2025.
3. "Field of menhirs promises to shed new light on history of Mizos". The Indian Express. 26 March 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2025.
4. "Kawtchhuah Ropui Heritage Site, Mizoram". Drishti IAS. 11 February 2019. Retrieved 25 July 2025.
5. "Recent excavations raise questions about Mizoram's history". caravanmagazine.in. Retrieved 2025-07-25.
6. "Kawtchhuah Ropui Heritage Site, Mizoram". Drishti IAS. 11 February 2019. Retrieved 25 July 2025.
7. "Mizoram govt takes up key projects, 'PM's Ekta Mall' being constructed". The Times of India. 16 June 2025. Retrieved 25 July 2025.

External links

• Drishti IAS article on Kawtchhuah Ropui
• The Indian Express – Kawtchhuah Ropui coverage