British rule in Burma
Hsenwi was by far the largest of the cis-Salween Shan states, and at one time included not only all the territory of the present states of North and South Hsenwi, but also Kehsi Mansam, Mong Hsu, Mong Sang, and Mong Nawng, besides having a sort of protectorate over Mang Lon and other Wa states east of the Salween. These had, however, fallen away in Burmese times, and before the annexation following British rule in Burma, Hsenwi was divided into five parts by name; but there was no central authority, and chaos prevailed all over the state.