Mang Lon

Mang Lon, a state in the northern Shan states of Myanmar, is the chief state of the Wa or Vu tribes, some of whom are headhunters. Estimated area 3000 m².; estimated population 40,000. The state extends from about 210 30 to 23 N., or for 100 m. along the river Salween. Its width varies greatly, from a mile or even less on either side of the river to perhaps 40 m. at its broadest part near Takut, the capital. It is divided into East and West Mang Lon, the boundary being the Salween. There are no Wa in West Mang Lon. Shans form the chief population, but there are Palaungs, Chinese and Yanglam, besides Lahu. The bulk of the population in East Mang Lon is Wa, but there are many Shan and Lahu. Both portions are very hilly; the only flat land is along the banks of streams in the valleys, and here the Shans are settled. There are prosperous settlements and bazaars at Nawng Hkam and Mong Kao in West Mang Lon. The Wa of Mang Lon have given up headhunting, and many profess Buddhism. The capital, Takut, is perched on a hilltop 6000 feet above sea level. The sawbwa is a Wa, and has control over two substates, Mot Hai to the north and Maw Hpa to the south.

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed (1911). Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.