Chawngchilhi Rulngaihna

Chawngchilhi Rulngaihna is an important cultural and archaeological site located approximately three kilometres from Zote Village in Champhai District. Situated on the bank of a small rivulet, the site is notable for a series of rock engravings depicting a human figure alongside a serpent — one of the few examples of rock art in the region.

According to local oral tradition, the engravings portray Chawngchilhi, a legendary woman who occupies a prominent place in Mizo folklore. The legend recounts that Chawngchilhi was involved in a forbidden love relationship with a serpent, a narrative preserved through generations of oral storytelling. The local community regards the carvings as a visual representation of this well-known legend.

Beyond its folkloric importance, the site is a place where archaeology and intangible cultural traditions converge. Although the precise age and cultural context of the engravings have yet to be established through scientific investigation, the site continues to attract visitors, researchers, and heritage enthusiasts.