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Mizoram has a number of places which are of historical interest and are
associated with folklore, legends and stories which are passed on from
generation to generation.
Phawngpui
The Blue Mountain, which is the highest mountain peak in
Mizoram, 2165m in height, is known as Phawngpui to the people of Mizoram.
It is situated close to the Burma border, on the curve of the river Kolodyne, in
the Chhimtuipui district. It is famous for Orchids and rhododendrons.
The nearest village is Sangau. This is a very
sacred peak, considered to be the abode of the Gods. Once a year, ritual
sacrifices are offered here.
Commanding a majestic view over the hills and the valleys,
this peak presents the most enchanting scenic beauty in Mizoram. There is
a semi-circular beautiful cliff in the western side called Thlazuang Khamm which
has a sharp and deep fall. This is the habitat of the wild mountain goats. This
cliff was believed to be haunted by spirits.
On the peak, there is a level ground about 200 hectares in
area. This place is surrounded by matted bamboo groves and other beautiful
flora. Varieties of butterflies, including some rare species, are found here. On
the east one can see a deep green forest. On the other side at a great distance,
villages are silhouetted in a big canvas of wavy hills.
Sibuta Lung
This is a memorial stone found at Tachhip village, 20 Km from
Aizawl town. It was erected by a Palian chief about 300 years ago. A
young orphan, Sibuta, was adopted by the chief. He killed his adoptive
father and became the chief of over 2,000 houses. But he failed in his
love life and was jilted by a girl. For having his revenge he put a young
and beautiful girl, Darlai, in a big pit on which he wanted to erect a memorial
for himself. The huge rock was dragged with great pains from the bed of
the Tlawng river, 10 Km away. The stone was bathed with the blood of three
human beings who were sacrificed. The stone was erected putting Darlai
alive on the pit below the stone.
Phulpui Grave
There are two graves at Phulpui village in Aizawl district. Zawlpala,
Chief of Phulpui village, married the legendary beauty, Talvungi of Thenzawl.
She was subsequently married to the chief of Rothai, Punthia. But she
could not forget Zawlpala. After many years when Zawlpala died, grief
stricken Talvungi came to Phulpui, dug a pit by the side of Zawlpala's grave and
induced an old woman to kill her and bury her in the grave. The love
story, the graves and other associated places at Phulpui are attractions
to visitors.
Memorial of Chhingpui
There is a memorial stone for a beautiful young woman called
Chhingpui in a place between Baktawng and Chhingchhip village on the
Aizawl-Lunglei road. Chhingpui came from a noble family and was
extraordinarily beautiful. From among the many young men wanting to marry
her. She chose Kaptuanga and married him. They were very happy.
But bad days came upon them when war broke out between the rival chiefs. Chhingpui
was kidnapped and killed. For days all the villagers mourned her death.
Kaptuanga could not bear the loss and killed himself. Chhingpui's memorial
has kept the love story alive among the people.
Pangzawl
Pangzawl village of Lunglei district is associated with the
tragic folklore of Chawngungi. She was a very beautiful girl sought for,
by all young men. But her mother demanded a very high bride price
which could not be afforded by anyone. Ultimately, the Chief's son,
Sawngkhara, won her by using a magic drug. However, she died soon after
the marriage. Sawngkhara lived the rest of his life mourning the death of
his beautiful, young wife.
Mangkahia Lung
At Champhai in Aizawl district, near the Burma border, there
is a very large memorial stone called Mangkahia Lung( Mangkhaia's stone).
It is 5m high with heads of mithun engraved on it. This was erected around
AD 1700 in memory of Mangkhaia who was a very prominent chief of the Ralte
tribe.
Tomb of Vanhimailian
Vanhimailian Sailo was a great chief who ruled over Champhai.
A tomb was erected in his memory overlooking the vast Champhai plain.
Tualchang
Near Tualchang village in the eastern part of Aizawl
district, there is a row of stone slabs. The largest of the rocks is 3m
wide 1m thick and 4.5m high. It is the biggest monolith in the state.
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