Aizawl: Radiocarbon dating of a skeletal sample recovered from Lamsial Puk, a cave near Farkawn village in Mizoram’s Champhai district along the Myanmar border, has indicated that the individual lived between AD 1729 and AD 1789, the Mizo Archaeological Society (MAS) said.MAS said it recently received the carbon-14 dating results for the sample, which was analysed by Beta Analytic, a radiocarbon dating laboratory based in Miami, USA.The society, however, clarified that the dating was carried out on only one skeletal sample, though the cave contains several human bones and skulls. It said the finding should not be taken to mean that all remains in the cave belong to the same period, and that further scientific study would be needed to establish the age of the other skeletal remains.According to MAS, the dating provides an important chronological reference point for Lamsial Puk, one of Mizoram’s better-known archaeological sites.The society said it received Rs 1.5 lakh from the state art and culture department in 2023 to meet the cost of radiocarbon dating. It also acknowledged the support of former art and culture minister R Lalzirliana.Founded on Sept 25, 2017, MAS is a voluntary organisation of researchers and professionals working on Mizoram’s history, archaeology and cultural heritage.Lamsial Puk, located on a rock formation near Farkawn, contains human skulls and skeletal remains and has drawn interest from researchers for its possible links to the region’s early inhabitants and burial practices, MAS said.The society said the result could help guide future archaeological and anthropological research on Mizoram’s past.
