Aizawl: Experts and scientists of Anthropological Survey of India, in collaboration with Mizoram chapter of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach), will study and analyse skulls and skeletal remains of humans found in various caves in Mizoram.

This was agreed at the joint meeting of officials of Anthropological Survey of India and Intach, Mizoram chapter, here last week, the convener of Intach's Mizoram chapter, P. Rohmingthanga, told The Telegraph.

He said a team of the Anthropological Survey of India from Shillong visited Mizoram last week for a discussion and preliminary studies.

The team, comprising regional officer R.R. Gowloog, assistant anthropologist G.K. Bera and statistician Elizabeth Lalawmkimi, agreed to take up the matter at the head office in Calcutta.

Accordingly, which scientists and anthropologists will be sent to Mizoram to study and analyse the human skulls and bones, he said.

Rohmingthanga said scientists will take samples and fragments of skulls and skeletons for carbon dating and laboratory examination.

He added that many of the human skeletons are taller in size than the Mizo's stature and they might have belonged to some other races, which occupied Mizoram before the Mizos came to this land.

According to the convener, there are many caves in the state, which are located deep in the jungles and remote areas, and human skeletons were found mainly in six to seven caves.

Many skeletons were missing, perhaps taken away for lack of protection and preservation, he added.

Rohmingthanga expressed hope that the study of human skeletons, which date back to many centuries, will help historians in constructing the state's history.

Mizoram housed many caves and most prominent are Pukzing Cave at Pukzing village near Marpara in Mamit district, Milu Puk (cave of skulls) near Mamte village in Lunglei district, Lamsial Puk (Lamsial cave), near Farkawn village in Champhai district and Kungawrhi Puk (Kungawrhi cave) located near Vaphai village in Champhai district. A heap of human skeletons was found in Milu Puk and Lamsial Puk.