Monpa Handmade Paper of Tawang receives patronage after PM’s push in ‘Mann ki Baat’
10 February 2021: The sale of the 1,000-years old heritage Monpa handmade paper or “Mon Shugu” is quickly catching pace, thanks to its special mention by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his recent radio program Mann ki Baat. The Monpa Handmade paper is made from the bark of tree Shugu Sheng grown locally in Tawang and is identified by its distinctive translucent fibrous texture. The handmade paper sheet measuring 24 inch in length and 16 inch in width is priced economically at Rs.50 per sheet.
On the first day of its launch, more than 100 sheets of Monpa Handmade paper were sold. The orders were received from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. The handmade paper, handcrafted by trained local artisans in Tawang, was put to online sale after the Prime Minister spoke about this ancient art.
Initially, the paper unit has engaged 9 artisans who can produce 500 to 600 sheets of Monpa handmade paper per day. To begin with, 12 women and 2 men from local villages have been trained to make Monpa handmade paper.
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) revived this ancient art at Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh on 25th December 2020. KVIC has made Monpa Handmade paper available online through its e-portal www.khadiindia.gov.in.
KVIC Chairman Vinai Kumar Saxena said owing to its religious and cultural significance, Monpa Handmade Paper had great market potential in India and abroad. “We will explore new market avenues for Monpa Handmade paper that will strengthen this industry and local artisans in Arunachal Pradesh.”
Revival of this art assumes significance as Monpa Handmade paper was once produced in every household in Tawang and the paper was exported to many countries like Tibet, Bhutan, Myanmar and Japan among others.
The paper is weightless but its natural fibers add great tensile strength to this paper making it apt for various art works. Monpa handmade paper has been used for writing Buddhist scriptures, manuscripts and for making prayer flags.
