The Moidams, the 700-year-old mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty in Assam, were officially included in the UNESCO World Heritage List under the Cultural Property category on Friday. The decision was made during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) currently taking place in Delhi.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the inclusion was “a great win for Assam.” In a post on X, Sarma said that the Moidams of Charaideo represent the deep spiritual beliefs, rich civilizational heritage, and architectural achievements of Assam’s Tai-Ahom community.

“It is the first time a site from the North East has made it to the UNESCO World Heritage List under the Cultural Category. After Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, it is Assam’s third World Heritage site. I urge all of you to come and experience Awesome Assam,” Sarma said.

The Moidams are burial mounds constructed for Ahom kings, queens, and nobles. The term “Moidam” is derived from the Tai phrase “Phrang-Mai-Dam” or “Mai-Tam,” where “Phrang-Mai” means to bury and “Dam” refers to the spirit of the deceased.

Although Moidams are found throughout upper Assam, Charaideo, the first capital of the Ahoms, served as the necropolis for the Ahom royalty. Located 28 km east of Sivasagar, Charaideo is known for the burial of the first Ahom king, Chau-lung Siu-ka-pha, who was interred there following Tai-Ahom religious rites and rituals.

The ongoing WHC session is reviewing proposals for 27 sites for inclusion on the World Heritage List, assessing the conservation status of 124 existing sites, and examining the List of World Heritage in Danger.

(With ANI input)