New Delhi: The Moidams, the mound-burial system of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site after being nominated by India under the cultural category. The Moidams, the mound-burial system of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam, became India’s 43rd World Heritage Site after the Hoysala Temple Complex earlier this year. This is the first cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site from northeastern India, making this a landmark achievement. Having great historical significance, this status would highlight the importance of this ancient site, generate more awareness, and aid in preserving this monument.
What a proud moment to celebrate, as Assam’s Charaideo Maidams- the Mound-Burial system of the Ahom dynasty, becomes India’s official 43rd UNESCO World Heritage Site! Come explore this beacon of culture and find out what makes it special!#MoidamInUNESCO#Moidam #46WHC #WHC… pic.twitter.com/JvpwBoVNnd
— Incredible!ndia (@incredibleindia) July 26, 2024
What are the Moidams?
Also known as the pyramids of Assam, The Moidams were burial mounds for the kings, queens and other royals of the Ahom Dynasty, which ruled Assam for nearly six centuries.
Locals believe that these sacred spaces, known as the pyramids of Assam, connect the living with their ancestors and play a vital role in Assam’s unique cultural identity. To this day, annual rituals and ceremonies are performed at this site, underscoring its significance.
Known as Frang-Mai-Dam in the region, these structures contain vaults with one or two chambers and a dome-like superstructure. While earlier Moidams were constructed using wood poles and beams, later kings replaced them with bricks and stones.
Historical Context
The Tai people, which included the Ahoms, buried their dead in these mounds. After they adopted Hinduism, they started cremating the deceased but continued burying their ashes. When kings or warriors died in battle, their severed heads were brought and buried in the tombs.
Different vaults within the mounds contained the bodies of kings, queens, servants, royal animals, etc. In a practice that has been viewed in many ancient societies, the affluent were buried with belongings that they could use in the afterlife.
When the Moidams were excavated by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI), several articles from the tombs were missing, and many structures were defiled. It was later discovered that the historical site had been plundered many times by the Mughal and British invaders and even locals in the area.
Preservation and Challenges
Although the designation of the Moidams as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a significant step towards their preservation, these earthen structures face numerous threats. Issues like erosion caused by the heavy monsoons of Assam, vegetation overgrowth, vandalism, encroachment, urbanisation, and unregulated tourism pose serious challenges to their conservation, underscoring the urgent need for concerted preservation efforts.
In a landmark decision, the Moidams of Assam have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What are the Moidams of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam and why have they been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Read on to learn more. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
