Tualvungi and zawlpala - the graves of the past
The graves at Phulpui Graves in Aizwal, Mizoram are of two people named Tualvungi and Zawlpala. Zawlpala had been a maiden renowned for her beauty in the village in those times and this was known to all near and distant. The maiden Zawlpala fell in love with a man named Tualvungi and they were happily married. However, their happiness was short-lived. A king from Tripura had come to visit Zawpala, having always heard of her great beauty. When he saw her, he instantly fell head over heels in love, at the very first sight.
This king, named Phuntiha, was known across the villages for his arrogance and tyrannical disposition, having always got what he wanted by hook or by crook. When Tualvungi heard of him inquiring about Zawpala, he got scared that he would be killed if Phuntiha knew of his real relationship with Zawlpala. Thus, when Phuntiha came across him asking about his relationship with Zawlpala, Tualvungi reluctantly replied that Zawlpala was his sister. When Phuntiha heard of this, he was elated and asked for the bride price, Tualvungi, hoping that Phuntiha would leave if the bride price was high, quoted the price several times higher than what he had paid to marry Zawlpala. But much to Tualvungi’s anger, Phuntiha didn't blink an eye at the price.
In the end, Phuntiha left content and came a few days later adorned in a bright red lungi with the demanded price and a huge entourage of villagers as well, all eager to escort the new bride home. Zawlpala had pleaded with Tualvungi but her desperation was matched with her husband’s words of loss at the events that had taken place and she was forced to marry Phuntiha having left with no option.
It was later said, that Tualvungi had died and Zawlpala, having still loved her first husband was greatly saddened. After arriving at his grave, she dug another grave and asked an older woman there to kill her and bury her body near Tualvungi, whom she had always loved dearly.
The story of sacrifice
We all have heard the story of Romeo and Juliet and have felt sad about how they didn't get their happily ever after. Similar to Romeo and Juliet, the story of Tualvungi and Zawlpala’s unfinished tale of love brings tears to the eyes and makes you sigh in regret. Their story is a narrative of destiny and sacrifice and the graves at Phulpui Graves symbolize the power of sacrifice. It is said that after their death, their spirits had turned into yellow butterflies, stopped by none and together for eternity.
This sad narrative of Tualvungi and Zawlpala and their graves at Phulpui has become a pilgrimage for those seeking deep meanings in love and its depth. This story also influenced the cultural heritage of Mizoram, passed upon from generation to generation, always remaining in the hearts of people.
