India Celebrates Inclusion of Assam's Moidams in UNESCO World Heritage List

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the inclusion of Assam's Moidams, the burial mounds of the Ahom dynasty, in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The recognition underlines the cultural significance and reverence for ancestors in Ahom culture. This marks Assam's third World Heritage Site after Kaziranga and Manas National Parks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed immense joy and pride for India as Assam's Moidams—the historic mound burial system of the Ahom dynasty—were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Sharing his thoughts on X, PM Modi stated, "A matter of immense joy and pride for India! The Moidams at Charaideo showcase the glorious Ahom culture, which places utmost reverence to ancestors. I hope more people learn about the great Ahom rule and culture. Glad that the Moidams join the World Heritage List."

The inclusion of the Moidams in the UNESCO World Heritage List under the Cultural Property category was decided during the ongoing 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) held in Delhi. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who hails from Assam, remarked, "...I thank PM Modi on behalf of the people of North East. This again proves that PM Modi continues to serve Assam and North-East and as a result, we got a chance to gain recognition across the world...I also thank the Ahom community and Assam government..."

The World Heritage Committee, one of the two bodies that govern the Convention for the Protection of the World's Cultural and Natural Heritage, is composed of representatives from 21 states elected from the 195 states parties to the Convention. In the ongoing session from July 23 to July 25, the Committee will examine the state of conservation of the 124 sites already inscribed on the World Heritage List, 57 of which are also on the List of World Heritage in Danger. From July 26 to July 29, the committee will review the dossiers of 27 sites proposed for inscription, categorized as natural, mixed, and cultural.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma lauded the recognition as a "great win for Assam." He said, "The Moidams make it to the UNESCO World Heritage List under the category Cultural Property. A great win for Assam. Thank you, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, members of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, and the people of Assam."

"The Moidams of Charaideo embody the deep spiritual belief, rich civilizational heritage, and architectural prowess of Assam's Tai-Ahom community. Apart from the fact this announcement has been made from the soil of Bharat, its entry also stands out for 2 more reasons," he added on X. "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 3rd World Heritage Site. I urge all of you to come and experience Awesome Assam," he further said.

The Moidams, derived from the Tai word Phrang-Mai-Dam or Mai-Tam, are the burial mounds of the Ahom kings, queens, and nobles. Although found across upper Assam, Charaideo, the first capital of the Ahoms, serves as the necropolis for almost all Ahom Royals. Charaideo is situated 28 km east of Sivasagar. The first Ahom king, Chau-lung Siu-ka-pha, was buried there, following the Tai-Ahom religious rites and rituals.