Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty” has been officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The announcement was made on July 26 during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi. This makes it the 43rd property from India to be included in the coveted list.
The announcement had Prime Minister Narendra Modi in thrall. He posted on X: “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.”
The journey of Moidams towards this prestigious recognition was spearheaded by the Prime Minister who nominated these ancient structures as India’s official entry in 2023.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also termed it as a proud moment for India. In his post on X he said “The royal burial mounds at Charaideo in Assam bear the memories of the kings and queens of the Ahom Dynasty. The dynasty is known for vanquishing the vast Mughal army several times. This inscription will bring global prominence to the history of Assam.”
The Moidams of Charaideo, which celebrate and preserve royal lineage through colossal architecture, are comparable to the pyramids of Egyptian pharaohs and royal graves in ancient China.
The purpose of including these heritage sites in UNESCO’s list is to preserve and promote shared heritage based on OUVs (Outstanding Universal Values) found in cultural, natural as well as mixed properties across 195 countries.
Speaking after the announcement, the Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that this historic recognition brings global attention to the unique 700-years-old burial-mounds system of the Ahom Kings at Charaideo, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Assam and Bharat.
The Minister highlighted that inclusion of Moidams in the UNESCO World Heritage List is a testament to their outstanding universal value. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) highlighted the Moidams’ exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition and their representation of significant stages in human history. “This recognition underscores the efforts of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Assam Government in preserving these historic treasures”, said the Minister.
Meanwhile Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma termed the inclusion of Moidam in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a “great win for Assam.”
Taking to X after the announcement, the Chief Minister posted, “THIS IS HUGE….The Moidams make it to the UNESCO World Heritage list under the category Cultural Property – a great win for Assam.
He also added “The Moidams of Charaideo embody the deep spiritual belief, rich civilisational heritage and architectural prowess of Assam’s Tai-Ahom community.
In yet another post on X, an elated Dr Sarma wrote, “It is the first time a site from the North East has made it to the UNESCO World Heritage List under the Cultural Category and after Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, it is Assam’s 3rd World Heritage Site. The Chief Minister urged people to come and experience “AwesomeAssam”.
Dr Sarma highlighted the Prime Minister’s crucial role in this achievement, stating “The Prime Minister’s initiative to recommend the Moidam was a decisive factor, as each country is permitted to make only one entry in a year.
Union Minister and former Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also shared his joy on the achievement. “Charaideo Maidams, which embody the valour and indomitable spirit of the great Ahom kings, stand as a proud symbol of self-respect and cultural pride for the Assamese community,” he posted on his X. As Chief Minister of Assam, he had asked Dr. K.C. Nauriyal, former Director of the Central Archaeological Department, to lead a high-level committee on the Moidams. The committee also included Dr. Jogen Phukan, Dr. Dayananda Borgohain, Dr. Dilip Buragohain, Prof Jiten Borpatra Gohain, and Dr. Zarirul Alam.
