Royal Moidams of Assam’s Ahom dynasty on UNESCO World Heritage list: Know about the 700-year-old mound burial system
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New Delhi, July 27: In a significant development, ‘Moidams’ – the mound-burial system of the Ahom Dynasty from Assam – have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. With Moidams entering the coveted list, India now has 43 heritage properties bearing the prestigious tag. This came after an announcement was made on Friday during the ongoing session of the World Heritage Committee in Delhi.
The Moidams are the burial mounds of the Ahom kings, Queens and Nobles. The word Moidam is derived from the Tai word Phrang-Mai-Dam or Mai-Tam. Phrang-Mai means to put into the grave or to bury and Dam means the spirit of the dead.
Though Moidams are found in all the districts of upper Assam, Charaideo, the first capital of the Ahoms was the necropolis of almost all the Ahom Royals. Charaideo is situated 28 km east of Sivasagar. The first king of the Ahoms Chau-lung Siu-ka-pha was buried at Charaideo after his death observing all the Tai-Ahom religious rites and rituals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the development as a ‘matter of immense joy and pride for India’.
Addressing a press conference soon after the announcement, union culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that this historic recognition brings global attention to the unique 700-year-old mound burial system of the Ahom Kings at Charaideo, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Assam and the country.
“As we celebrate this achievement, it is essential to encourage visitors to explore the beauty and historical significance of the Moidams. Visiting Charaideo offers a glimpse into the region’s opulent history and the grandeur of the Ahom dynasty. Tourists can marvel at the architectural brilliance and the meticulous preservation efforts that have kept these structures intact,” he said.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “This is huge. The Moidams make it to the UNESCO World Heritage list under the category Cultural Property - a great win for Assam.”
He said the Moidams of Charaideo embody the deep spiritual belief, rich civilisational heritage and architectural prowess of Assam’s Tai-Ahom community.
Though Moidams are found in all the districts of upper Assam, Charaideo, the first capital of the Ahoms was the necropolis of almost all the Ahom Royals. Charaideo is situated 28 km east of Sivasagar. The first king of the Ahoms Chau-lung Siu-ka-pha was buried at Charaideo after his death observing all the Tai-Ahom religious rites and rituals.
It is the first culture site from Assam to be bestowed the inscription. Earlier, Kaziranga National Park and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary were inscribed under the Natural category in 1985. The Moidams of Choraideo, which celebrate and preserve royal lineage through colossal architecture, are comparable to the pyramids of Egyptian pharaohs and royal graves in ancient China.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the development as a ‘matter of immense joy and pride for India’.
“The Moidams at Charaideo showcase the glorious Ahom culture, which places utmost reverence to ancestors. I hope more people learn about the great Ahom rule and culture. Glad that the Moidams join the #WorldHeritage List,” he posted on the microblogging site ‘X’.
A matter of immense joy and pride for India!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2024
The Moidams at Charaideo showcase the glorious Ahom culture, which places utmost reverence to ancestors. I hope more people learn about the great Ahom rule and culture.
Glad that the Moidams join the #WorldHeritage List. https://t.co/DyyH2nHfCF
Addressing a press conference soon after the announcement, union culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that this historic recognition brings global attention to the unique 700-year-old mound burial system of the Ahom Kings at Charaideo, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Assam and the country.
“As we celebrate this achievement, it is essential to encourage visitors to explore the beauty and historical significance of the Moidams. Visiting Charaideo offers a glimpse into the region’s opulent history and the grandeur of the Ahom dynasty. Tourists can marvel at the architectural brilliance and the meticulous preservation efforts that have kept these structures intact,” he said.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “This is huge. The Moidams make it to the UNESCO World Heritage list under the category Cultural Property - a great win for Assam.”
He said the Moidams of Charaideo embody the deep spiritual belief, rich civilisational heritage and architectural prowess of Assam’s Tai-Ahom community.