Assam's Moidams Third Entry To UNESCO World Heritage List From State, First Cultural Property

Assam's Moidams have become the third entrant from the state to the UNESCO World Heritage list. It is also the first Cultural Property from Assam to make it to the prestigious list.

Assam's 'Moidams', the burial grounds for Ahom dynasty, have found their place of pride in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list under the 'Cultural Property' category. Posting the news on X, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said: "The Moidams of Charaideo embody the deep spiritual belief, rich civilisational heritage and architectural prowess of Assam’s Tai-Ahom community."

"Apart from the fact this announcement has been made from the soil of Bharat, it’s entry also stands out for 2 more reasons. It is the first time a site from the North East has made it to the UNESCO World Heritage List under the Cultural Category. And after Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, it is Assam’s 3rd World Heritage Site," CM Himanta Biswa Sarma added.

What Are Moidams?

Moidams in Assam are mostly found in the Charaideo district. These are burial mounds for the erstwhile royal families. With their inclusion in the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), They now have access to better funding for the upkeep and promotion of the state's culture and heritage. The Moidams will also get government and international support, and technical cooperation for the preservation and protection of burial mounds.

Around 90 kings, queens, and nobles from the Ahom dynasty, which ruled over regions of present-day Northeast India for nearly 600 years till the 19th century, are buried in the Moidams.

The Moidams were essentially mounds built over hollow vaults made of earth, bricks, or stones. A shrine would be placed at the centre of the octagonal cavity. The primary site of the Moidams is 95.02 hectares. There is a buffer zone of 754.511 hectares around the site.

Assam's Moidams were the lone recommendation for entry to the UNESCO list from India. The main concerns on the upkeep of the Moidams are heavy rainfall, soil erosion, and vegetation growth. The Moidams have been compared to the royal tombs of ancient China and the pyramids of the Egyptians Pharaohs.

(This is a developing story and will be updated.)