India, July 17 -- The ancient menhirs of Lianpui village in Mizoram's Champhai district have been declared a 'monument of national importance' by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the ministry of culture.

The announcement, made on July 14, followed a two-month public notification period issued by the central government on February 9, as required under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. With no objections received, the centre finalised the notification, bringing the site under national protection.

The menhirs-upright memorial stones bearing intricate carvings-are distinguished by their pre-Christian Mizo iconography.

"The stones feature carvings of human figures, birds, animals, mithun hea...