Aizawl, July 18 -- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has officially declared the ancient menhirs of Lianpui village in Mizoram's Champhai district, as a 'monument of national importance'.

The announcement, made on July 14, follows a public notification issued on February 9 under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. As no objections were received during the two-month notice period, the notification was finalised.

The menhirs-upright stone memorials featuring intricate carvings-are known for their pre-Christian Mizo iconography.

According to archaeologist Vanlalhuma from the Mizoram Department of Art and Culture, the carvings depict human figures, birds, animals, mithun heads, gongs, and lizards, r...