The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has declared the ancient menhirs of Lianpui village in Champhai district as a monument of national importance.

The declaration was issued on July 14 under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, following a public notification published on February 9. No objections were received during the mandatory two-month notice period.

The Lianpui menhirs are upright stone monuments intricately carved with human figures, animals, birds, mithun heads, gongs, and lizards. These stones are arranged in eight alignments, reflecting ceremonial practices of the Mizo community before the arrival of Christianity.

According to the Mizoram Department of Art and Culture, the site will now receive central government protection and funding for conservation and has potential to boost archaeological tourism in the region.

This is the second site in Mizoram to receive ASI recognition after the menhirs at Vangchhia, located about 20 kilometres south of Lianpui.