Prime Minister Narendra Modi has submitted a proposal to UNESCO for the nomination of the ancient pyramids of Assam, known as Charaideo Maidams, for World Heritage Site status.
These pyramids hold profound historical significance as they serve as the final resting place for members of the Ahom royal family.
Following the proposal submission, a team from UNESCO conducted site inspections to evaluate the historical importance and preservation of Charaideo Maidam.
The nomination was made in honour of the 401st birth anniversary of Ahom General Lachit Barphukan, celebrated for his victory over the Mughals.
Prime Minister Modi personally selected Charaideo Maidams as the representative of the mound burial tradition of the Tai Ahom community in Assam, dating back to the 13th-19th century CE.
Assam's tourism minister, Jayanta Mallabaruah, expressed enthusiasm over the potential UNESCO recognition of Charaideo Maidam.
He talked in length about the historical significance of the Ahom royal burial grounds, highlighting the nomination as a significant milestone for Assam's culture and civilisation.
During an election rally at Charaideo, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma recounted his efforts to secure the nomination from the Prime Minister.
Sarma revealed that despite competing proposals, he successfully advocated for Charaideo Maidams to be the sole nomination from India for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
"By this year, the Charaideo Maidams will be part of UNESCO World Heritage site," Sarma confidently claimed, highlighting the significance of Maidams as representatives of the late medieval mound burial tradition of the Tai Ahoms dynasty.
Out of the 386 Maidams explored to date, the 90 royal burials at Charaideo stand out as the best-preserved and most complete examples of this tradition.
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