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About Mon |
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Mon
is a town and a town area committee in Mon district in the
Indian state of Nagaland. In 2006 the Ministry of Panchayati
Raj named Mon one of the country's 250 most backward districts
(out of a total of 640). It is one of the three districts in
Nagaland currently receiving funds from the Backward Regions
Grant Fund Programme (BRGF).
Mon is situated at 26.75°N 95.1°E. It has an average height of
655 metres (2148 feet).It is located at an altitude of 2,945
ft (898 m) above sea level. It is at a distance of 357 km from
Kohima via Dimapur and 280 km from Dimapur, 275 km from Kohima
via Mokokchung, Tamlu and Wakching. Home of the Konyaks, the
town was established at the land of Chen and Mon villages. It
is centrally located for the coronation of Anghs (chiefs).
As of 2011 India census, Mon had a population of 16,590 with
9,138 males and 7,452 females. Mon has an average literacy
rate of 71%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male
literacy is 75%, and female literacy is 66%. In Mon, 17% of
the population is under 6 years of age.The Konyaks and the Aos
are the two tribes that comprise almost the entire urban
population of present day Mon town. |
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Culture of Mon |
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This
district is the home of the Konyak Nagas and it is interesting
to see tattooed faces wearing feathers. Konyaks are proficient
artisans and skilled craftsmen. There are excellent wood
carvings, daos (machetes), guns, gunpowder, head brushes,
headgear, necklaces, etc. made by these artisans and craftsmen.
The most colourful festival of the Konyaks, "Aoling Monyu",
which is observed during the first week of April every year, is
a show worth watching. Konyaks are the largest tribe among nagas,
and speak the local language, Nagamese. They have embraced
Christianity and now, Christianity has become the consistent
bond between the Nagas, who, earlier were at steady fight with
each other, one who haS the maximum skulls of his enemies being
considered the mightiest and most powerful. Konyaks still
ornament their houses with skulls, hornbill beaks, elephant
tusks, horns and wooden statues.
Konyaks are ruled by hereditary chiefs known as Anghs, and the
institution of Anghship is only prevalent among the Konyaks. It
is an exciting experience to pay a visit to the Angh's house at
Chui, Mon Tangnyu, Sheangha, Chingnyu, Wakching and Jaboka. The
Angh's house is the largest in the village, with a display of
skulls in the front. The Konyaks have tattoos on their face and
body. The older males wear large earrings made of boar horn and
wear a loincloth only. Some carry a knife called dao or a gun.
The older women wear a short piece of cloth enclosed around
their waist only. They carry bamboo baskets on their backs or
tie children to their backs with cloth. They weave wonderful
patterns on their handwoven shawls. During festivals, the males
wear colorful shawls and headgear ornamented with feathers, and
dance with daos or spears chanting steadily. They also farm land
in the hills by clearing the forests by controlled burning
called "Jhum". They also prepare a home brewed liquor made of
rice. Konyaks used to be headhunters before Independence. Some
younger Konyaks are giving up their traditional way of life and
implementing modern customs. |
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Tourist Attractions of Mon |
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Longwa Village
One of the biggest villages in Mon district, it is an
interesting sight to see. As the village overlaps an
international boundary line, one half of the Angh's house falls
within Indian territory, whereas the other half lies under
Myanmarese control. However, the entire village is controlled by
the Angh and the village Council Chairman. Another interesting
feature of this village is that the Angh of the village has 60
wives and his authority extends up to Myanmar and Arunachal
Pradesh.
Naganimora
Naganimora is 11 km away from the Kongan Village. The village
derive its name from the word Naga Rani Mora, which means the
‘burial place of the Naga Queen’. It is situated on the banks of
Dikhu River and is home to the Kongans. This town was formerly
known as Lakhan.
Veda Peak
This highest peak of the district is about 70 km east of Mon.
The peak offers a clear sight of both the rivers Brahmaputra and
Chindwin on a clear day. There is a waterfall on the areas of
this peak and this area is also considered as one of the best
locations in the whole of Konyak countryside.
Chui Village (basti)
This is a famous village near Mon, the diastict Headquarters. It
is ruled by the Angh of Chui Basti. The Angh's house is the
biggest in the village and has a display of skulls of enemies
allegedly killed by him and his forebears in the times past. The
Konyaks used to be headhunters in the 19th century.
Shangnyu Village
Ruled by the chief Angh, Shangnyu village is one of the famous
villages in Mon district. There is a beautiful wooden monument
measuring 8 feet in height and 12 feet in breadth which is
believed to be constructed by heavenly angels. Statues of human
beings and other creatures are engraved on this monument.
Memorial stones are also found in front of the Angh's palace.
History records that good and friendly relationships existed
between Shangnyu and Ahom Kings. |
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How to Get There |
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Mon is well linked with Kohima, Dimapur, and Jorhat
(Assam). There are direct bus services from Kohima and
Dimapur to Mon. There are no direct bus services from
Jorhat to Mon and you have to first reach Sonari or
Simulguri in Assam. Direct bus services to Mon are
available from Sonari. However, there are no direct buses
to Mon from Simulguri; you have to reach Naganimora to get
on a direct bus to Mon.
Important Bus routes to Mon, Nagaland:
• Sonari to Mon – 65km (direct bus service)
• Simulguri to Naganimora to Mon – 20km+75km (change bus
at Naganimora)
• Kohima to Mon – 368km (direct bus service)
• Dimapur to Mon – 294km (direct bus service) |
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