Led by Prof. Tiatoshi Jamir of Nagaland University and Dr David Tetso of Kohima Science College, a team of archaeologists is currently excavating Changsang Mongku, an early ancestral site of a Chang Nagas. The site is situated at Hakchang village, about 24 km away from district headquarters Tuensang, at an altitude of 1,186 metres.
Exclusively a community-funded programme, this community archaeology programme is an initiative of the local community of Hakchang village under the supervision of Changsang Shensinge (Heritage) Committee led by its convenor T Mongko Chang and other members of the committee.
Changsang Mongko is an ancestral place of origin of the Chang Nagas. It is believed since time immemorial that the Changs originated from Changsang, which literally means Chang settlement.
The word Chang comes from the word changennyu, which means towered above rest of the surroundings, and can be seen from far distance. History too conveys that Changs originated from Changsang.
The Chang community believes that the entire human race emerged from Changsang Mongko. This is considered as one of the oldest settlements of the Changs and many primeval stories of Changsang are unique in its essence.