MIZO HLAKUNGPUI MUAL [MIZO POETS' SQUARE]

 

Mizo Hlakungpui Mual (Mizo Poets' Square) is a monument to commemorate Mizo poets.  It was set up in 1986 at the southern edge of Khawbung Village, Mizoram state, North-East India, about 100 miles northwest of Chittagong, Bangladesh.

  

In time, the local people decided to include all the Mizo Poets and writers who deserved recognition for their contributions to Mizo literature. The Committee agreed, and the selection procedures go as – Writers who have produced at least 3–4 books, and have had a prolonged influence on Mizo literature would be selected while Poets whose songs/poems have exceptional literary value would also be included. Writers/poets may only be included in Hlakungpui Mual five years after their death.

 

First Phase 1986

In the first phase were erected the monuments of Patea and Damhauhva on 6 & 7 April 1986 with their skeletal remains taken from their old grave, then were buried in the ground beneath their pyramidal monument. They were the first two interred in the Poets' Square.

 

Patea (1894–1950)

Patea composed 55 poems whose lyrics and harmonies expressed deeply traditional Mizo sentiments. His lyrics are mainly about lamentation, praise and heavenly sentiments.

 

Damhauhva (1909–72)

Damhauhva wrote 51 poems highly prized for their literary qualities in Mizo poetry. His poetical words emphasizing natural beauties and its harmonies are well matched. He composed many fine poems. The values of human life with regards to nature are expressed with poetical words.

 

Second phase: 1996

In course of time, there was an attempt to commemorate famous poets and writers whose fame spread throughout Mizoram and its adjoining regions. The process of selecting poets and writers was also strictly carried out. They had, to some extent, imitated what were found in Poets' Corner, the name traditionally given to a section of the South Transept of Westminster Abbey.

 

Below are the poets and writers arranged in order from the pyramidal monuments of Patea and Damhauva.

Hla Kungpui Mual a Nauban Par

Writers

Kâphleia (1910–1940)

L. Biakliana (1918–1940)

Lalzuithanga (1916–1950)

C. Thuamluaia (1922–1959)

Rev. Liangkhaia (1985–1979)

J. F. Laldailova (1925–1979)

Capt. C. Khuma (1934–1994)

Siamkima (1938–1992)

K. Zawla (1903–1994)

K.C. Lalvunga (1929–1994)

Poets

Laithangpuia (1885–1937)

Lalzova (1924–1945)

Saihnûna (1896–1949)

Lalawithangpa (1885–1949)

R.L. Kâmlala (1902–1965)

Rokunga (1914–1969)

Vankhama (1906–1970)

Suakliana (1885–1937)

Liandala (1901–1980)

C.Z. Huala (1903–1994)

 

Third Phase – 2006

Below are the names of poets and writers included in the third phase.

Writers

Rev. Saiaithanga (1887–1980)

A. Sawihlira (1931–2000)

Poets

Zasiama (1900–1953)

Vanmawia (1922–1980)

Râlngama (1907–1981)

Siamliana (1894–1962)

Laltanpuia (1915–1997)

 

Fourth Phase 2011 (Silver Jubilee)

The Silver Jubilee of Mizo Hlakungpui Mual was celebrated on 6–7 April 2011 at the Poets' Square site in Khawbung, Mizoram, India.

Writers

Nuchhungi (1914–2006)

Poets

P.S. Chawngthu (1922– 2005)

Zirsangzela Hnamte(1952–2002)

Rev Thangngura (1891–1943)