State Archaeology team inspects stone inscription at Ngazang village in CCpur
A joint team of Manipur State Archaeology and Manipur State Archives visited the stone inscription at Ngazang village under Henglep Sub-Division in Churachandpur district on May 31. The team also organised a one-day workshop on Field Study and Conservation of Stone Inscription at the village.
The team led by Arts and Culture Director Dr K Sobita comprised of Archaeology Superintendent K Dinamani, Churachandpur ADC member Thangkhomang Haokip, Churachandpur ADC member Paolal Haokip, Ukhrul ADC member Philson Y Lunghar, COTAM Chairman Leppu Haokip, Kuki Inpi CCpur General Secretary Daniel Gangte, Naoroibam Indramani, M Raghumani and other officials of State Archives and State Archaeology.
Speaking during the visit, Dr K Sobita said that Ngazang villagers informed State Archaeology to inspect the old stone inscription at Ngazang village. “The visit was organised to inspect the inscription and trace the date of the inscription. The expert team has taken facsimile copies of the stone inscription and would examine to trace the date of the inscription soon” she informed.
Since most of the stone inscription is broken, it would be a tough task to calculate the estimated date of the inscription. However, it was fortunate for the villagers to take photographs of the inscription before it was broken and it would help in a great way in tracing the origin of the inscription, she said.
She further stated that the villagers have told about the historic significance of the boulder and it has come to her knowledge that Ngazang villagers used to worship the boulder before adopting Christianity. The Dept would now inspect the inscription to trace back the origin and see for provisions to conserve the stone inscription.
Speaking on the one-day workshop, Dr K Sobita said that such inscriptions and other manuscripts would help in tracing back the origin of the Manipuris.
People should not ignore such old and historic things as they have important roles in the history of the state. She also appealed to the people to cooperate with State Archaeology and State Archives to conserve such historic monuments and sites.
Briefing the gathering about the role of State Archaeology and State Archives, K Dinamani appealed to the people to report to the State Archaeology if they find any caves near a water body like river or stream in the hills as such caves have strong possibilities of being the first settlement of humankind in the state.
Later, the team also visited an old cave in Henglep area.
