On Friday, 26th July, the Ahom dynasty’s “Moidams” mound-burial system in Assam was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The decision was made during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC), which is taking place in Delhi, the national capital.
“This was made possible through the efforts of the Assam government and the leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are proud and grateful for the 43rd Indian addition to the World Heritage List”, said Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat during the meeting.
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
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also made the statement via his official X (previously Twitter) account. “THIS IS HUGE. The Moidams make it to the #UNESCO World Heritage list under the category Cultural Property – a great win for Assam Thank You Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, Members of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, and to the people of Assam,” he said.
THIS IS HUGE 🤩
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 26, 2024
The Moidams make it to the #UNESCO World Heritage list under the category Cultural Property – a great win for Assam
Thank You Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji , Members of the @UNESCO World Heritage Committee and to the people of Assam 🙏
1/3 pic.twitter.com/ALia92ZGUq
On July 21st, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that Charaideo Moidam would become India’s 43rd UNESCO World Heritage Site, the first in Assam and the northeast area in the cultural heritage category.
About Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty
Moidams were burial mounds utilized by the Ahom dynasty, who controlled Assam between the 13th and 19th centuries. The mounds are predominantly located in the Sivasagar district, the former capital of the Ahom dynasty. Each moidam houses the remains of Ahom royalty and other notable individuals. The building entails forming a dome-shaped mound with a surrounding wall.
Building a moidam normally involves multiple processes, including placing the corpse in a precise posture, adding offerings, and covering the structure with the soil. As per the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the World Heritage Committee’s advisory organization, the selected site has 90 modiams of various sizes that were built during 600 years, as well as other cultural assets such as ceremonial routes and sources of water.
They state that the moidams are an unusual example of an Ahom necropolis that portrays burial practices and accompanying beliefs tangibly.
According to the website of the United Nations Cultural Agency, the Ahom clan established their capital in various regions of the Brahmaputra River Valley between the 12th and 18th centuries after migrating from China. They founded the first capital in the Patkai highlands of eastern India and named it Charaideo, which translates to a dazzling city above the mountain in their language. Even though the clan travelled between towns, the burial site they established was considered the most hallowed sanctuary for the royals’ departed souls.
Around 27 nominations were examined by UNESCO before including Moidams of Assam’s Ahom dynasty in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The list of 27 nominations included Beijing Central Axis (China), Schwerin Residence Ensemble (Germany), Sado Island Gold Mines (Japan), Umm Al-Jimāl (Jordan), The Historic Town and Archaeological Site of Gedi (Kenya), The Archaeological Heritage of Niah National Park’s Caves Complex (Malaysia), Saint Hilarion Monastery/ Tell Umm Amer (Palestine), The Colonial Transisthmian Route of Panamá (Panama), Brâncusi Monumental Ensemble of Târgu Jiu (Romania) among others.
As informed on the UNESCO official site, it is believed that ninety moidams – hollow vaults built of brick, stone or earth – of different sizes are found within the site. “They contain the remains of kings and other royals together with grave goods such as food, horses and elephants, and sometimes queens and servants. The Tai-Ahom rituals of “Me-Dam-Me-Phi” and “Tarpan” are practised at the Charaideo necropolis. While moidams are found in other areas within the Brahmaputra Valley, those found at the property are regarded as exceptional,” UNESCO stated.
India- home to the sixth-largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India are extraordinary locations with cultural, ecological, or combined importance. They highlight India’s contributions to human civilization and have a huge impact on tourism, education, and the local economy. These landmarks play an important role in protecting and promoting India’s identity and heritage on a global scale. Notably, India has the sixth-largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.
India has a broad range of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that showcase its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural surroundings. These sites include ancient temples, historical cities, intricate stepwells, lush animal sanctuaries, and revered mountain ranges, all of which provide a view into India’s rich cultural and ecological fabric. As of 2023, India had 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Of these, 34 are cultural, seven are natural, and one is of mixed ancestry. Now a new one has been added to the list making the total 43.
The total 43 World Heritage sites recognized by the United Nations are- Agra Fort, Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Taj Mahal, Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Konark Sun Temple, Churches and Convents of Goa, Fatehpur Sikri, Group of Monuments at Hampi, Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Elephanta Caves, Great Living Chola Temples, Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, Shantiniketan, Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, Mountain Railways of India, Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus, Red Fort Complex, Jantar Mantar, Hill Forts of Rajasthan, Rani Ki Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell), Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavira at Nalanda, The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement, Historic City of Ahmedabad, Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai, Jaipur city, Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Dholavira, Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala, Sundarbans National Park, Western Ghats, Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Great Himalayan National Park, Keoladeo National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Khangchendzonga National Park and now, the newly added Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty located in Assam.
