Moidams of Assam Added to UNESCO World Heritage List

The Ahom dynasty’s Moidams in Assam have been officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as India’s 43rd entry. Announced on July 26, 2024, during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, this makes the Moidams the first cultural property from Northeast India to receive this honor. The nomination was submitted on July 4, 2024, and underscores the global recognition of Assam’s unique cultural heritage.

What Are Moidams?

Moidams are burial mounds located in Charaideo, Assam, serving as the final resting places for Ahom kings, queens, and nobles. The term ‘Moidam’ comes from Tai words meaning “to bury” and “the spirit of the dead.” These structures are comparable to Egypt’s pyramids in terms of their architectural and cultural significance. They are vaults with arched passages, built with layers of bricks and earth over hemispherical mud mounds. The mounds are reinforced with a polygonal toe-wall and feature an arched gateway on the west.

Historical Significance

Moidams date back to the Ahom Dynasty, which ruled Assam from the 13th to the early 19th century. They were used to bury deceased royalty and sometimes included their belongings, such as clothes, ornaments, and weapons. Initially, the practice also involved burying attendants with the deceased, but this was later abolished by King Rudra Singha. The primary necropolis is in Charaideo, the first Ahom capital, which also marks the start of the tradition with the burial of the first Ahom king, Chau-lung Siu-ka-pha.

UNESCO World Heritage Status

This recognition marks the third World Heritage Property from Assam, joining Kaziranga National Park and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, which are listed under the Natural category. The inclusion of Moidams in the World Heritage List emphasizes their Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), showcasing their exceptional cultural significance and architectural brilliance. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) recognized the Moidams for their representation of significant stages in human history and cultural traditions.

Importance and Preservation

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, highlighted the Moidams’ inscription as a milestone for India’s cultural heritage. This achievement reflects India’s commitment to preserving its historic monuments and promoting them on a global stage. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Assam’s Department of Archaeology have played a crucial role in restoring and maintaining the site, despite past challenges.

46th World Heritage Committee Session

The 46th session, held from July 21 to 31, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, reviewed 27 nominations globally, including the Moidams. The session was attended by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, UNESCO Director-General Ms. Audrey Azoulay, and other dignitaries. This session is significant as it marks India’s hosting of the World Heritage Committee for the first time since joining the UNESCO World Heritage Convention in 1972.