In historic moment for Assam, the mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty, known as ‘Maidams,’ was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, marking the first cultural property from Northeast Bharat to receive this prestigious recognition.
The decision was announced during the ongoing 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) taking place in Bharat. The ‘Maidams’ were nominated as Bharat’s candidate for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2023-24 cycle.
Assam Chief Minister took to X to celebrate the achievement, “The Moidams make it to the UNESCO World Heritage list under the category Cultural Property. This is a great win for Assam. Thank you, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Members of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, and the people of Assam.”
THIS IS HUGE 🤩
The Moidams make it to the #UNESCO World Heritage list under the category Cultural Property - a great win for Assam
Thank You Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji , Members of the @UNESCO World Heritage Committee and to the people of Assam 🙏
1/3 pic.twitter.com/ALia92ZGUq
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 26, 2024
The inclusion follows a recommendation from the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), which supported the addition of Assam’s ‘Maidams’ to the UNESCO list. Janhwij Sharma of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) confirmed that ‘Maidams’ meet the necessary criteria for UNESCO heritage status.
The ‘Maidams’ are distinctive burial mounds used by the Tai-Ahom dynasty, characterised by their pyramid-like structures. They are vaulted chambers (chow-chali), often double-storied, with an arched entry passage. These mounds, made from layers of bricks and earth, feature a polygonal toe-wall and an arched gateway on the west, according to the UNESCO website.
