Assam’s Ahom Dynasty Moidams Designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site

Guwahati ,July 26 2024 : In a significant cultural milestone, the unique mound-burial system of Assam’s Ahom dynasty, known as ‘Moidams,’ has been officially added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. This accolade, announced during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee currently taking place in India, marks the first cultural property from Northeast India to receive this esteemed designation.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to social media platform X to celebrate the inclusion. He highlighted that this recognition of the Moidams as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a monumental achievement for Assam, noting that it stands as the third World Heritage Site in the state, following Kaziranga and Manas National Parks. Sarma emphasized the Moidams’ representation of the Tai-Ahom community’s deep spiritual beliefs, rich cultural heritage, and architectural achievements.

The Moidams, characterized by their pyramid-like structures, were traditionally used by the Tai-Ahom dynasty, which governed Assam for approximately 600 years. The Moidams were recognized as India’s nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2023-24 period.

According to the Ministry of Culture, the Tai-Ahom clan, having migrated from China, established their capital in various parts of the Brahmaputra River Valley from the 12th to the 18th century CE. Among their revered sites was Charaideo, the location of their first capital under Chau-lung Siu-ka-pha at the Patkai hills’ foothills. This sacred site, known as Che-rai-doi or Che-tam-doi, was consecrated through rituals reflecting the Tai-Ahoms’ spiritual beliefs. Over centuries, Charaideo retained its importance as a burial ground for Tai-Ahom royals.

The Tai-Ahom people, believing in the divine status of their kings, developed a unique funerary tradition involving the construction of Moidams, or vaulted burial mounds. This tradition, which spanned 600 years, saw the use of various materials and architectural techniques, evolving from wood to stone and burnt bricks. The detailed construction process and accompanying rituals, outlined in the Changrung Phukan, a canonical text of the Ahoms, underscored the grandeur and hierarchical nature of Tai-Ahom society.