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Source- This post on the International Council on Monuments and Sites has been created based on the article “Ahom ‘Moidam’ recommended for inclusion in UNESCO World Heritage List” published in “The Hindu” on 6 July 2024.
Why in the news?
The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) has recommended the inclusion of the Ahom era ‘Moidams’ in Assam’s Charaideo district to the UNESCO World Heritage List. These ‘Moidams’ are ancient burial mounds for royal families.
About the International Council on Monuments and Sites
| Aspects | Description |
| Established | It was established in 1965 in Warsaw, Poland. |
| Origins | Resulted from the Venice Charter of 1964 |
| Role | Provides advice to UNESCO on World Heritage Sites |
| Nature | An international non-governmental organization. |
| Members | Professionals, experts, and representatives from local authorities, companies, and heritage organizations. |
| Mission | Dedicated to conserving and enhancing architectural and landscape heritage globally. |
About Moidams
1. About: Moidams (also called Maidams) are mound-burial systems used by the Ahom dynasty (13th-19th century).
2. Location: Charaideo was the first capital of the Ahom dynasty which is located over 400 km east of Guwahati. It was founded by Chao Lung Siu-Ka-Pha in 1253.
3. Moidams are found in Northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Northern Burma, Southern China, and Northeast India, indicating the spread of Tai-Ahom culture.
4. Significance: It is comparable to the royal tombs of ancient China and the pyramids of the Egyptian Pharaohs.
5. Historical Rule: The Ahom dynasty ruled for about 600 years until the British took over Assam in 1826. After the 18th century, Ahom rulers began cremating their dead and entombing the remains in Moidams at Charaideo.
Source: Art and Culture
