Charaideo Moidams in Assam recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

These moidams were the royal burial grounds of the Ahom dynasty.

1. 👁 unesco
   

   1 / 8

   India is a land known for its rich heritage and culture. Besides its diverse flora and fauna, India is home to a number of heritage sites that have been recognised by UNESCO and Assam's Charaideo Moidam is the latest to join the list. Set in the foothills of the Patkai Ranges in eastern Assam, the property contains the royal necropolis of the Tai-Ahom. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

1. 👁 unesco
   

   2 / 8

   Charaideo Maidams are located in Sivasagar, Assam and make for the first in the North East to be given this recognition. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

1. 👁 unesco
   

   3 / 8

   The nomination was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi held between July 21 and 31. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

1. 👁 unesco
   

   4 / 8

   According to the official UNESCO website, for 600 years, the Tai-Ahom created moidams (burial mounds) accentuating the natural topography of hills, forests and water, thus forming a sacred geography. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

1. 👁 unesco
   

   5 / 8

   Banyan trees and trees used for coffins and bark manuscripts were planted and water bodies were created. (Source: Wikimedia Commons) (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

1. 👁 unesco
   

   6 / 8

   These sites contain the remains of kings and other royals together with grave goods such as food, horses and elephants, and sometimes queens and servants. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

1. 👁 unesco
   

   7 / 8

   The Tai-Ahom rituals of “Me-Dam-Me-Phi” and “Tarpan” are practiced at the Charaideo necropolis. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

1. 👁 unesco
   

   8 / 8

   Ninety moidams – hollow vaults built of brick, stone or earth – of different sizes are found within the site. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)