Mon

Mon brings pictures of chiefs, tattooed faces of Konyaks and muzzle-loading guns which the ingenious Konyaks manufacture. It is 357km from Kohima via Dimapur and 280 km from Dimapur, 275km from Kohima via Mokokchung, Tamlu and Wakching. Mon headquarters, home of the Konyaks, was established at Chen and Mon villages land, being centrally located for the coronation of Anghs (Chiefs). Here, one see the tattooed faces wearing feathered headgears and traditional dresses. Konyaks are adept artisans and skilled craftsmen. Here you find excellent woodcarvings, daos, guns, gun powder, headbrushes, headgear, necklaces etc., made by these artisans and craftsment. It is an exciting experience to pay a visit to Angh's house at Chui, Mon Tangnyu, Sheangha, Chinyu, Wackching and Japoka. Konyaks are ruled by hereditary chiefs known as Anghs and the institution og Anghship is only prevalent among the Konyaks. The most colorful festival of the Konyaks-Aoling Monyu is observed during the first week of April and is a spectacle worth a watch.

Shanghyu village
This village, ruled by the Chief Angh is a prominent village in Mon district. There is a wonderful wooden monument measuring 8 feet in height and 12 feet in breadth-believed to be constructed by heavenly angels. Human beings and other creatures are carved on this monument. Memorial stones are also found in front of the Angh's palace. History records that good and friendly relationship existed between the Shangnyu and the Ahom Kings of Assam. Shangnyu Angh used to collect taxes from all the villages under his domain-extending from Sibasagar in Assam to the Wanchos in Arunachal Pradesh.

Longwa Village
It is among the biggest village in the district. As the village straddles the international boundary line, one half of the Angh's house falls within the Indian territory and the other half lies in Myanmar. However the whole village is controlled by the Angh and the Village Council Chairman. An interesting feature of this village is that the Angh of the village has 60 wives and his jurisdiction extends up to Myanman and Arunachal Pradesh.

Veda Peak
Veda peak, the highest peak in Mon district is approximately 70 kms east of Mon district headquarters. From this peak, one can have a clear view of both river Brahmaputra and Chindwin on a clear day. There is a waterfall on the precincts of this peak and this area is also considered as one of the best locations in the whole of Konyak countryside.

Naganimora
Naganimora, formerly known as Lakhan, is a subdivision in Mon district and is situated in Kongan village land. The only coalfield in Nagaland, founded by East India Company in 1907 is at Borjan near Naganimora.

The second rail link to Nagaland from Simuluguri (Assam) also connects Naganimora.
Every Saturday, there is an interesting weekly market here with a medley crowd of Assamese and Konyak Nagas.

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