Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The mound-burial system of Assam’s Ahom dynasty, known as ‘Moidams,’ was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List on Friday. This significant decision was made during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) held in New Delhi.
“This achievement is thanks to the efforts of the Assam government and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We are proud and grateful for this 43rd Indian addition to the World Heritage List,” said Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who attended the meeting.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also announced the inclusion on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. “It is the first time a site from the North East has made it to the UNESCO World Heritage List under the Cultural Category. After Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, it is Assam’s third World Heritage Site,” he posted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced on July 21 that Charaideo Moidam would be India’s 43rd UNESCO World Heritage site and the first in Assam and the northeast region in the cultural heritage category. The nomination of the Moidams, particularly those of the Ahom Dynasty, was endorsed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).
Moidams are burial mounds used by the Ahom dynasty, which ruled Assam from the 13th to the 19th centuries. These mounds are primarily found in the Sivasagar region, the former capital of the Ahom kingdom. Each Moidam contains the remains of Ahom royalty and other prominent figures, constructed by creating a dome-shaped mound with a surrounding wall. The process involves placing the deceased in a specific posture, adding offerings, and covering the structure with earth.
The recognition of the Moidams highlights the rich cultural heritage of Assam and the historical significance of the Ahom dynasty, bringing global attention to the unique burial practices and architectural marvels of the region.
