<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">In a remarkable archaeological discovery, skeletal remains estimated to be over 700 years old have been uncovered in Khawlek village, Saitual district, Mizoram. The find includes nine human skulls along with other skeletal fragments, buried along a cliffside between Vanbawng and North Khawlek. Local residents first reported the discovery on January 11, 2025, drawing attention to the historical significance of the site.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">To authenticate the remains, archaeologist Vanlalhuma Singson, also an assistant professor from HATIM, Lunglei, conducted an on-site assessment. Samples were subsequently sent to a specialized radiocarbon dating laboratory in Miami, Florida. The tests confirmed that the remains date back to approximately 1250 AD to 1320 AD, establishing their age at more than seven centuries.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Radiocarbon dating, also known as carbon-14 dating, is a method used to determine the age of organic materials. Living organisms continuously absorb carbon, including a small proportion of the radioactive isotope carbon-14. Upon death, carbon-14 absorption stops, and the isotope begins to decay at a predictable rate, known as its half-life. By measuring the remaining carbon-14 in the sample, scientists can estimate the time elapsed since the organism died. This technique is highly effective for dating artifacts up to about 50,000 years old, making it ideal for historical human remains.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The discovery has been lauded by the Mizoram Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). Former IAS officer Rin Sanga, convener of INTACH Mizoram, emphasized that this find provides valuable insights into the region&rsquo;s early inhabitants and cultural heritage. Archaeologists and historians are hopeful that continued excavations in Saitual could reveal further evidence of ancient settlement patterns and practices, enriching our understanding of Mizoram&rsquo;s past.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">This discovery adds significant knowledge to the rich cultural history of Mizoram and underscores the importance of scientific techniques like radiocarbon dating in uncovering the mysteries of ancient civilizations.</span></div>

700-Year-Old Human Remains Found in Mizoram

Skeletal remains in Saitual from 13th century using carbon-14,revealing ancient heritage

700-Year-Old Human Remains Found in Mizoram

Skeletal remains in Saitual from 13th century using carbon-14,revealing ancient heritage

September 2, 2025 | 17:07 IST