The Princely State of Mawdon was one of the native states of India during the rule of the British Empire in India. During the 19th century, the territory was appointed as one of the princely states of India under the indirect rule of the British Government and was managed by native princes. The state comprised of a total population of 595 in the year 1941. The princely state of Mawdon was included as a part of the states of Khasi kingdom in Meghalaya, located in northeastern India, south of Bhutan, which was under the rule of the British Province of Assam. It was one of the least developed areas amongst the Khasi Hill States. The territory of Mawdon lied towards the southern parts of the Eastern Khasi States. The native state was surrounded by the princely state of Mawsynram in the north; by the taluka of Cherra in the northeast; by the Shella Confederacy in the northwest; by the princely state of Dwara Nongtyrnem to the west; and by the British Province of Assam in the south. The Princely State of Mawdon was under the administrative control of the States of Assam Agency.
History of Princely State of Mawdon
The native ruler of the state of Mawdon held the title of Sardar. The local chiefs or Sardars of the princely states of Nongwlai, Dwara Nongtyrnem, Pamsanngut and Mawdon were elected by all the people for a specific period. The qualifications of the family were not essential for the selection of the Sardar of Nonglwai. The local rulers of the native state attended the darbars of the princely state of Nongstoin till 1901. In the year 1829, the Sardar of Mawdon state signed an agreement with the British East India Company and came under their protection.
The native ruler of Mawdon was succeeded by his eldest brother, failing which, by the ruler`s eldest nephews, grand nephews, or cousins, in no particular order. Although this system did not provide total claim to succession, as the heirs might have been disqualified from the succession due to several reasons under Khasi custom and religion.
Accession of Princely State of Mawdon
After the departure of the British Government and the Partition of India in 1947, the former princely state was acceded to the newly independent Union of India, which also known as the Dominion of India, by the last Sardar of the princely state of Mawdon state. At present the territory is located in Meghalaya.