Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, expressed profound gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his instrumental role in securing the UNESCO World Heritage status for the ancient Moidams of Charaideo.
Union Culture Minister Gajendra Shekhawat personally conveyed the news to Sarma during a press conference, prompting a heartfelt response from the Chief Minister.
"This is a monumental moment for Assam and the nation. The inclusion of Charaideo Moidam in the UNESCO World Heritage List is a testament to our rich heritage and the unwavering support from the central government," Sarma remarked.
The Moidams, characterised by their distinctive pyramid-like structures, are integral to the Tai-Ahom dynasty's 600-year reign in Assam, spanning from 1228 to 1826. Charaideo, the dynasty's historic capital, houses these unique burial mounds, now recognised as a World Heritage Site.
The journey to this recognition began with the state government submitting a detailed dossier to the Prime Minister in 2023. Sarma credited Modi's decisive initiative in endorsing the Moidams for UNESCO nomination, noting the significant impact of such a recommendation, as each country can only submit one entry per year.
Sarma highlighted the broader cultural implications of this recognition, noting, "This marks the first cultural property from the Northeast to achieve this prestigious tag."
He further praised the Prime Minister in a social media post, acknowledging the collaborative effort that led to this milestone.
The decision to include the Moidams was finalised during the ongoing 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in India.
This session marks a pivotal moment for Assam, as the Moidams now join the esteemed ranks of Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, making it the third World Heritage Site in the state.
Sarma's public gratitude extended beyond the press conference, as he took to social media to share his elation: "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 @narendramodi ji, Members of the @UNESCO World Heritage Committee, and the people of Assam."
The Moidams of Charaideo embody the spiritual and architectural legacy of the Tai-Ahom community, symbolizing their deep-rooted heritage.
Sarma emphasized the uniqueness of this recognition, noting its dual significance as the first site from the Northeast under the Cultural Category and the third World Heritage Site for Assam.
The Moidams were first listed on UNESCO's tentative list in April 2014. Sarma reflected on the nine-year journey from tentative to nomination status, crediting the Prime Minister's initiative as the driving force behind this achievement.
In 2022, during the 400th birth anniversary celebrations of Ahom General Lachit Borphukan in New Delhi, an exhibition at Vigyan Bhawan showcased a model of Moidam, highlighting the Tai Ahoms' unique burial architecture and tradition.
This exhibit played a crucial role in elevating the Moidams' profile on the global stage.
World Heritage sites are categorized into cultural, natural, and mixed types. Prior to the Moidams' inclusion, the Northeast lacked representation in the cultural heritage category.
Assam's Kaziranga and Manas National Parks are recognised under the natural category, with a total of seven such sites across India.
The Directorate of Archaeology in Assam meticulously prepared the nomination dossier, which was subsequently submitted to the Archaeological Survey of India. This effort culminated in the Chief Minister's formal request to the Prime Minister, emphasising the cultural and historical importance of the Moidams.
Significant state support has bolstered the Moidams' preservation and recognition.
In 2019-20, the Assam government allocated Rs 25 crore for the protection, conservation, and development of the Charaideo Archaeological site.
The Moidams represent the late medieval (13th—19th century CE) mound burial tradition of the Tai Ahoms dynasty. Of the 386 Moidams explored, 90 royal burials at Charaideo are the best-preserved examples, showcasing the dynasty's burial practices and reverence for their ancestors.
Initially, the deceased, along with their personal belongings, were interred in the Moidams.
However, after the 18th century, the Ahom rulers adopted Hindu cremation practices, later entombing the cremated remains in the Moidams at Charaideo.
For the Tai Ahoms, who practice ancestor worship, Charaideo remains the final resting place of their Swargadeos (Kings who are like Gods) and other royals.
This recognition by UNESCO not only preserves this rich legacy but also invites the world to explore and appreciate Assam's profound historical and cultural heritage.
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