Introduction to the Mon People
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| (Source: The Southeast Weekly) |
The Mon of Myanmar generally live in the region southeast of Yangoon and in Mon and Kayin States along the coast. The Mon migrated from the northern territories into what is now known as Thailand and Myanmar (Burma), and established the first great civilization in that region. They pioneered wet rice farming, introduced the nationals to Buddhism, and gave them their alphabet. Between the fifth and eighth centuries, their kingdom was at its peak. However, in the centuries that followed, they were at constant war with the Burmese.
The Mon were finally defeated by the Burmese in 1757, and the time of their political independence ended. Today, most of the Mon are descendants of the fugitives who fled from the Burmese.
The Mon were finally defeated by the Burmese in 1757, and the time of their political independence ended. Today, most of the Mon are descendants of the fugitives who fled from the Burmese.
