In the remote mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, a unique handmade paper called Mon Shugu, treasured for its durability and sacred use, is being revived by the Monpa people after generations of decline.
- Mon Shugu paper lasts centuries, used for sacred Buddhist texts.
- Craft nearly disappeared due to cheap industrial paper imports.
- Revival began in 2020 with community and government support.
What happened
For more than a thousand years, the Monpa people of Arunachal Pradesh have been making a special handmade paper called Mon Shugu, using the inner bark of a native shrub. This paper was valued for its strength and longevity, allowing Buddhist scriptures written in gold and silver to be preserved for centuries in harsh mountain climates. Produced by boiling bark in ash water and drying the pulp on bamboo screens, the craft was practiced by nearly every household in villages like Mukto.
However, the arrival of inexpensive industrial paper from outside markets severely threatened this traditional art. As mass-produced paper flooded the region, the number of families practicing Mon Shugu decreased drastically, putting the survival of this unique cultural heritage at risk. Recognizing this, social worker Maling Gombu petitioned authorities in 2020 to revive the craft, leading to the establishment of a handmade paper unit in Tawang by 2021.
Why it feels good
Mon Shugu paper is more than just a craft; it is a living link to the region’s rich cultural and spiritual history. The paper’s extraordinary durability ensured the survival of countless religious manuscripts and prayers that connected Himalayan Buddhist communities across Tibet, Bhutan, and beyond. Reviving this tradition honors the artisans’ ancestral knowledge and preserves a form of heritage that is both delicate and resilient.
The revival effort is empowering local artisans, especially women, who are now able to reconnect with their cultural roots while creating sustainable livelihoods. Watching younger generations embrace this centuries-old practice sparks hope that the craft will continue to thrive, enriching the community and inspiring pride in a shared identity that has endured for a millennium.
What to enjoy or watch next
Visitors to Arunachal Pradesh interested in traditional crafts can explore Tawang and villages like Mukto, where Monpa artisans continue to produce Mon Shugu paper by hand. Engaging with local workshops offers a chance to witness history come alive through the painstaking process of handmade papermaking and to appreciate the artistic and spiritual significance behind each sheet.
Cultural organizations and tourists can also watch for upcoming exhibitions and community events showcasing Mon Shugu paper art and manuscripts. Supporting these initiatives helps sustain the craft and promotes wider recognition of this Himalayan treasure, ensuring that the prayers and heritage carried on Mon Shugu paper remain vibrant for generations to come.