Mayong (Assam)
Mayong (or Mayang, also known as the Land of Black Magic[1]), is a village in Morigaon district, Assam, India. It lies on the bank of the river Brahmaputra, approximately 40 km (25 mi) from the city of Guwahati. Once considered the cradle of black magic in India, Mayong is a tourist attraction because of its history.[2]
Mayong Mayang | |
|---|---|
  Mayong Location in Assam, India  Mayong Mayong (India) | |
| Coordinates: 26°15′31.87″N 92°02′26.85″E | |
| Country |  |
| State | Assam |
| District | Morigaon |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Assamese |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| Telephone code | 913678 |
| ISO 3166 code | IN-AS |
| Vehicle registration | AS |
Etymology
The origins of the name may be based on any of several sources including the Sanskrit word Maya (illusion), the Chutia/Tiwa/Deori word Ma-yong which means mother, the Dimasa word for an elephant (Miyong), or from maa for Mother Shakti and ongo meaning part. Some believe that Manipuris from the Moirang clan used to inhabit this area therefore; the name Moirang became Mayhong with time.[3]
Mythology
Mayong along with Pragjyotishpura (the ancient name of Assam) find place in many mythological epics, including the Mahabharata. Chief Ghatotkacha of Kachari Kingdom took part in The Great Battle of Mahabharata with his magical powers. It was also said about the Mayong that the saints of black magic and the witches take shelter in mayong forest till now. According to recently published article on Mayong - Land of Black Magic and Witchcraft - Many tales of men disappearing into thin air, people being converted into animals, or beasts being magically tamed, have been associated with Mayong. Sorcery and magic were traditionally practiced and passed down over generations. This was shown on 6 April 2019 at 10:15pm on zee news and reporter Sohail hosted the show. Also they have shown some actual magic done by villagers.
History
Narabali or human sacrifices were carried out in connection with the worship of Shakti until the early modern period. Excavators had recently dug up swords and other sharp weapons that resembled tools used for human sacrifice in other parts of India, suggesting that human sacrifice may have occurred in the Ahom era in Mayong.[2]
Tourism
Mayong is a tourist and archaeological location because of its rich wildlife, archaeology pilgrimage, eco-tourism, adventure tourism, cultural tourism and river tourism. There are numerous archaeological relics and artefacts, including books on black magic and Ayurveda at the Mayong Central Museum and Emporium, which was opened in 2002.[4] Very close to Mayong is the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. This Sanctuary has the highest density of one horned rhinoceros in the world.
See also
References
- "The Land of Black Magic". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
- Rahman, Daulat (14 May 2009). "New light on land of black magic - Huge swords unearthed at Mayong in Assam point to human sacrifice". Retrieved 23 August 2009.
- http://www.newsgram.com/mayong-assam-the-land-of-myth-and-magic/
- "Good Morning". The Telegraph. 1 November 2002. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2009.
3. Mayong - Land of Black Magic and Witchcraft