The 'Moidams', the iconic mound-burial system of Assam’s Ahom dynasty, has been granted the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage tag, marking a significant milestone as the first cultural property from India's northeast to receive this honour.
The announcement came during the ongoing 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in India.
The unique burial mounds, characterised by pyramid-like structures known as 'Moidams,' were used by the Tai-Ahom dynasty, which ruled Assam for approximately 600 years.
The Tai-Ahom meticulously created these moidams, integrating the natural topography of hills, forests, and water, thus forming a sacred geography.
These Moidams are vaulted chambers, often double-storied, with an arched passage for entry. The hemispherical mud mounds are layered with bricks and earth, reinforced by a polygonal toe-wall and an arched gateway on the west side.
Located in the foothills of the Patkai Ranges, the site contains the royal necropolis of the Tai-Ahom dynasty.
Ninety moidams – hollow vaults built of brick, stone, or earth – of varying sises are found within this historic property.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed immense joy and pride in a post on X, stating, "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."
This momentous decision follows India's nomination of the 'Moidams' for the 2023-24 UNESCO World Heritage List. Assam Chief Minister celebrated the achievement, expressing his gratitude on social media.
"The Moidams make it to the #UNESCO World Heritage list under the category Cultural Property. This is 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," he wrote on his X handle.
Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat hailed the inclusion of Moidams in the UNESCO list as a day "etched in golden letters". He extended his gratitude to UNESCO and the World Heritage Committee for recognizing the outstanding universal value of the Moidams.
The WHC session, held at the Bharat Mandapam from July 21 to July 31, is examining 27 nominations from across the globe, including 19 cultural sites, four natural sites, and two mixed sites. This is the first time India is hosting such a significant event for UNESCO.
The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) had earlier endorsed the inclusion of the 'Moidams' in the UNESCO list, highlighting their unique historical and architectural significance.
Janhwij Sharma from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) confirmed that the 'Moidams' met all the necessary criteria for this prestigious designation.
The 'Moidams' are distinguished by their pyramid-like structures, serving as burial mounds for the Tai-Ahom dynasty.
These sites feature vaulted chambers, often double-storied, with arched passages for entry.
Atop the hemispherical mud mounds, layers of bricks and earth are meticulously laid.
While the Kaziranga National Park and the Manas National Park are recognised in the natural and mixed heritage categories respectively, the Moidams' inclusion is a significant cultural recognition for the region.
The base of the mound is supported by a polygonal toe-wall and an arched gateway on the west, as detailed on the UNESCO website.
This recognition not only brings global attention to the cultural heritage of Assam but also throws light on the historical significance of the Ahom dynasty’s unique burial traditions.
The inclusion of the 'Moidams' in the UNESCO World Heritage List is expected to boost tourism and cultural preservation efforts in the region.
With this addition, India now has 43 sites inscribed on the World Heritage List, which features a total of 1,199 sites across 168 countries.
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