Monpa Handmade Paper Industry

Context

• The 1000-year old heritage art – the Monpa Handmade Paper of Arunachal Pradesh – which was driven to the extinction, has come to life once again, with the  committed efforts of  Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).

What is the Monpa Handmade Paper art?

• The art of making Monpa handmade paper originated over 1000 years ago.
• The fine-textured handmade paper, which is called Mon Shugu in the local dialect, is integral to the vibrant culture of the local tribes in Tawang.
• The paper has great historic and religious significance as it is the paper used for writing Buddhist scriptures and hymns in monasteries.
• The Monpa handmade paper, will be made from the bark of a local tree called Shugu Sheng, which has medicinal values too
• Gradually the art became an integral part of local custom and culture in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Once produced in every household in Tawang, this handmade paper was a major source of livelihood for the locals.

What efforts were put to bring it back to life?

• The handmade paper industry almost disappeared in the last 100 years which prompting KVIC to plan revival of this ancient art.
• KVIC commissioned a Monpa handmade paper making unit in Tawang which not only aims at reviving the art but also engaging the local youths with this art professionally and earn.
• KVIC will provide marketing support and explore markets for the locally manufactured handmade paper.