Monoliths and Landmarks of Mizoram- Vol-2

Book Description

Foreword

Having served as a subordinate officer and Senior Research Officer at the Tribal Research Institute since its establishment in 1974, I have had the opportunity to explore every corner of Mizoram. During my travels, I encountered numerous sites and significant stones or rocks that seemed to possess historical, archaeological, or monumental significance. Some of these were studied and found valuable for further research. In 1979, I published the findings from these explorations in a work titled Monoliths and Landmarks of Mizoram, which documented twenty-three notable sites.

I am pleased to see that another book of this nature is now in progress. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the officers and staff of the Tribal Research Institute for continuing this important work.

Preface

The first volume of Monoliths and Landmarks of Mizoram, featuring twenty-three monoliths and landmarks, was published by the Tribal Research Institute in 1979. Since then, as part of ongoing research and various departmental programs, the Institute has discovered additional sites of interest. In 1990-1991, this work was included as an annual research project.

With the growing public awareness and interest in the significance of monoliths and historical locations, we received numerous reports and requests from various organizations. Under the guidance of the Department Head, the Institute conducted on-site verifications of these locations, resulting in the inclusion of thirty monoliths and landmarks in this new volume, titled Monoliths and Landmarks of Mizoram Vol. II.

This book aims to document and preserve the socio-cultural, traditional, and historical aspects of the Mizo community, which is a core focus of the Tribal Research Institute.

The publication of this volume would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of my research staff. I would like to especially acknowledge Mr. V. L. Fimate, our Translator, who spearheaded the project from its inception and contributed significantly to the material collection. Additionally, Miss Lalfakzuali and Mr. C. Lalruatfela, both Research Investigators, collected more than half of the materials through extensive fieldwork. Their invaluable contributions, alongside their regular research assignments, deserve special recognition. Thank you to all who participated in this important project.