ARE THE LUNGPHUNLIAN MEGALITHS BUILT BY THE MIRAWRNG?
Dr. Malsawmliana
Translated: This translation maintains the academic and cultural integrity of the original Mizo text while ensuring clarity in English.
Original Source in Mizo Language here
The question of who constructed the ancient Mizo megaliths—whether they were built by Mizos or possibly by other communities—requires thorough investigation. Let’s briefly explore this, focusing on the megaliths at Vangchhia and Lungphunlian. Some believe the Vangchhia megaliths were built by the Vangchhe people, and similarly, there is a view among scholars that the Lungphunlian megaliths are also their work. Additionally, there is speculation that these could be remnants of the Mirawng (Rongmei), a Naga sub-group.
The name of the village Lungphunlian, derived from ‘Lungphun lian’ (large stone slab), prompts the question: who built these? Various scholars have expressed differing opinions over time. The general public often considers these to be the work of the Mirawng, but scholars like Darchhawna, Dr. Sangkima, B. Lalthangliana, Liangkhaia, and R. Buragohain (who wrote on this topic) hold divergent views. The Lungphunlian megalith is a large, uncarved stone slab, standing 4.3 meters tall, located near the village.
Among the differing opinions, R. Buragohain suggests these were built by the Meitei, while Darchhawna believes they are the work of the Tripuri, possibly constructed by a group migrating from Tripura to Manipur in the 17th century. However, historical records of Tripura indicate that the 17th century was a period when the Manikya rulers held significant power, and the only recorded interaction between Tripura and Manipur was in 1662–1663, when King Chhatra Manikya sent representatives to the Manipur court. There is no evidence of Tripuri migration to Manipur during this time, and the style of Tripuri megaliths differs from those at Lungphunlian. Thus, it is unlikely that these are Tripuri constructions.
Dr. Sangkima attributes the megaliths to the Vangchhia people. However, historical records suggest the Vangchhe lived in present-day Vangchhia, Champhai, and surrounding areas. Comparing the diverse megaliths at Vangchhia’s ‘Kawtchhuah Ropui’ with those at Lungphunlian reveals significant differences in style and carving techniques. Lungphunlian’s megaliths are plain (without carvings), leading me to conclude they are not the work of the Vangchhia people.
Meanwhile, B. Lalthangliana, Rev. Liangkhaia, C. Chawngkunga, and others propose that these were built by the Rongmei (Mirawng), a Naga sub-group, during their time in Mizoram. B. Lalthangliana notes that around the late 17th century, the Rongmei lived in northern Mizoram near the Manipur border, in areas like Tualcheng, Selam, Lungphunlian, and Vankal. He mentions they left behind traces, including megaliths, old forts, graves, and roads.
Who Are the Mirawng/Rongmei?
The Rongmei are a Naga sub-group currently residing in Manipur, part of the Kacha Naga, which includes Zemi, Liangmei, Rongmei, and Kabui. In 1963, when Nagaland became a state, ‘Kacha Naga’ was renamed ‘Zeliang’ (Zemei and Liangmei), later including Rongmei as ‘Zeliangrong.’ The Rongmei are a significant group, considering Manipur’s western hills, Imphal valley, and North Cachar Hills (Assam) their homeland. Historically, they lived in Manipur, Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, with many now in Tamenglong District, Manipur.
‘Rongmei’ derives from ‘Rong’ (southern) and ‘Mei’ (people), meaning ‘people from the south.’ Their history traces their origins to Southwest China, migrating with other Naga groups like Ao, Angami, Sema, Lotha, Tangkhul, and Rengma through Burma and Southeast Asia to Northeast India. Naga history suggests they entered their current region around the 13th century from Burma. According to G. Makuga, Liangmei followed Angami, Zemei moved to western Manipur, and Rongmei later settled in Manipur’s west, their current homeland. They were among the last Naga groups to migrate from the Chin Hills. Makuga notes that after leaving the Chin Hills’ Rongkiang hills, they were followed by the Kookies (Koomees) in the 17th century, known as ‘Mrungs’ (Mirawng/Rongmei) by the Lusei in Mizoram. They lived in northern Mizoram areas like Champhai, Tualcheng, Selam, Lungphunlian, and Vankal, leaving behind megaliths, forts, graves, and roads. Near Tualcheng, Mirawng graves and forts are still visible.
The Rongmei likely lived in Mizoram around the late 17th century, with accounts placing them in Selam, 5 km north of Lungphunlian, in the early 18th century (Liangkhaia, B. Lalthangliana).
Their Megalithic Practices:
Lungphunlian features large, uncarved stone slabs arranged in rows (‘Alignment’) along roadsides. A similar style is seen in Selangthel near Churachandpur, Manipur, where large, uncarved megaliths are placed along roadsides as ‘Boundary pillars’ by the Rongmei (Kabui Naga). Comparing these with Lungphunlian’s alignments suggests a strong likelihood of Rongmei origin. The ‘Manding Lung’ near Lungphunlian, attributed to Bawrhsap Manding Putara, may also be such a boundary marker. If these rows are indeed Rongmei constructions, they could serve as boundary pillars, a hypothesis worth further exploration.
In conclusion, comparing Rongmei megalithic practices in Manipur with Lungphunlian’s alignments indicates a possible Rongmei origin, though further investigation is needed to confirm this.