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46th Session of the World Heritage Committee Inscribes Moidams – The Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty as India’s 43rd World Heritage Site
The Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam, India, has been inscribed on the World Heritage List at the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, being held in New Delhi. It is now the 43rd World Heritage Site in India.
A Glimpse into the Moidams
The Moidams, located in the foothills of the Patkai Ranges in eastern Assam, represent a royal mound burial necropolis established by the Tai-Ahom dynasty. This sacred site illustrates the funerary traditions of the Tai-Ahom people, who migrated to present-day Assam in the 13th century under the leadership of Prince Siu-kha-pha. Charaideo, their first capital, became the chosen location for the royal necropolis, where the Tai-Ahom created moidams or "homes-for-spirit" for 600 years, spanning from the 13th to the 19th centuries CE.
The property features 90 moidams, which are strategically sited on elevated land within the Charaideo necropolis. Each moidam consists of an earth mound built over a hollow vault constructed of brick, stone, or earth, and is topped by a shrine at the center of an octagonal wall. This design reflects the Tai-Ahom’s integration of natural landscapes, including hills, forests, and water bodies, to create a sacred geography.
I would like to congratulate the Government of India, the people of India, and the people of Assam for this significant inscription. The Moidams are a unique which site holds immense value for the local communities, who continue to practice ceremonies there , as well for all of humanity . It is our collective responsibility to ensure the safeguarding of this heritage for generations to come.
I am overjoyed by the inscription of the Moidams on the World Heritage List. This recognition adds a new chapter to India's rich world heritage and opens a corridor to the beautiful landscapes of Northeast India. The Moidams, with their 600 years of history, are a testament to our diverse cultural heritage. I hope this inscription encourages local communities to continue preserving and cherishing their heritage.
Cultural Significance and Community Involvement
Bearing witness to 600 years of Tai-Ahom royal funerary architecture and customs, the Moidams have been inscribed as per the criteria (iii) and (iv) and showcase the cultural traditions of the Tai-Ahom from the 13th to the 19th centuries CE. The archaeological remains at the site provide evidence of the Tai-Ahom’s architectural styles, layouts, and spiritual beliefs. These elements make the Moidams an outstanding example of a Tai-Ahom necropolis.
The significance of the Moidams is further enriched by the Tai-Ahom rituals of Me-Dam-Me-Phi (ancestor worship) and Tarpan (libation), which continue to be practiced at the Charaideo necropolis. Local communities regard the Moidams as sacred burial sites and are actively engaged to ensure the continued safeguarding and protection of the site.
A Historic Session in India
The inscription of Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty on the World Heritage List marks a significant milestone during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, held for the first time in India.
The World Heritage Committee covers the World Heritage Capacity-Building Strategy, the State of Conservation of World Heritage properties, a global strategy for a representative, balanced, and credible World Heritage List, and international assistance to the State Parties, along with nominations to the World Heritage List and updates to the List of World Heritage in Danger.
The 46th session is also featuring 38 national and international side events, including exhibitions and panel discussions involving heritage experts and site managers.
For more information, contact:
Junhi Han: j.han@unesco.org
Anand Kanitkar: a.kanitkar@unesco.org
