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Assam’s Charaideo Moidams, India’s UNESCO’s World Heritage Site

Context

The Ahom dynasty's burial system, known as 'Moidams,' has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, becoming the 43rd property from India to be included in the prestigious index. This makes it the first cultural site from Northeast India to receive this honor. India is now at the 6th position globally for the most number of World Heritage Properties.

About Moidams:

Moidams are unique pyramid-like burial mounds used by the Tai-Ahom dynasty that ruled Assam for about 600 years (from 1228 to 1826).
Moidams are large, pyramid-shaped mounds made of layers of bricks and earth.
They feature vaulted chambers with arched passages for entry. Each chamber has a raised platform where the body was placed.
Burials: Objects like royal insignia, wooden, ivory, or iron items, gold pendants, ceramic ware, weapons, and clothing were buried with the deceased. Some Moidams also include human sacrifices from the Luk-kha-khun clan.
Moidams are similar to ancient Chinese royal tombs and Egyptian pyramids in their use of monumental architecture to honor and preserve royal lineage.

About the Tai-Ahom Clan:

The Tai-Ahoms migrated from China and established their capital in the Brahmaputra River Valley from the 12th to the 18th century CE.
Chaolung Sukaphaa (founded of Ahom dynasty) established the first capital at Choraideo.
- Choraideo, also known as Che-rai-doi (meaning a shining town situated on a hilltop), was a sacred site where Tai-Ahom royals were buried. The site was consecrated with rituals reflecting their deep spiritual beliefs.
The Tai-Ahoms believed their kings were divine. To honor them, they built Moidams using various materials over 600 years. Initially, wood was used, later replaced by stone and bricks. The burial rituals were elaborate, showcasing the Tai-Ahom society's hierarchical structure.

Assam’s World Heritage Site

The Moidam is the first from the North East to be recognised as a World Heritage Site in cultural category.
Assam has two other such sites in the natural category – Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park, both upgraded to tiger reserves.

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Assam’s Charaideo Moidams, India’s UNESCO’s World Heritage Site

About Moidams:

About the Tai-Ahom Clan:

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