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Published 11:08 IST, August 5th 2024

Assam's Charaideo Maidam Becomes State's 3rd UNESCO World Heritage Site - Significance And Itinerary

The historical place features 90 Moidams of various sizes made of stone, bricks or earth, which contain remains of the Ahom Kings and Queens, and other royals.

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Moidam
Moidam | Image: unesco.org

Assam is known for its Bihu dance, tea, and silk. The land of the Blue Hills and Red Rivers serves as a gateway to the Northeastern states of India and is a haven for learning about history and experiencing the wilderness of mother nature firsthand.

Charaideo Maidam Becomes Assam’s Third UNESCO World Heritage Site

After Kaziranga National Park and Manas Wildlife National Park, the state of Assam inscribed “Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty” in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List on 26th July 2024, during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee at New Delhi.

(Moidam - the totem of Tai-Ahom culture \ Image: unesco.org)

Nestled in the foothills of the Patkai Ranges in eastern Assam, the Charaideo Maidam located at Bokopukhuri Habi village in Assam displays a royal burial mount of Tai-Ahoms, surrounded by lush green trees, forest, houses and water.

According to UNESCO, the historical place features 90 Moidams of various sizes made of stone, bricks or earth, which contain remains of the Ahom Kings and Queens, and other royals along with food, horses and elephants.

“While Moidams are found in other areas within the Brahmaputra Valley, those found at the property are regarded as exceptional,” states UNESCO.

The Ministry of Culture said, “The purpose of including these heritage sites in UNESCO’s list is to preserve and promote shared heritage based on OUVs (Outstanding Universal Values) found in cultural, natural as well as mixed properties across 195 countries.”

(Charaideo Maidam | Image: unesco.org)

When Can You Visit?

The 600-year-old Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty is open throughout the year from 9 am to 5 pm. The heritage site takes 2:30 hours to complete the tour and it is recommended to wear comfortable outfits to have an immersive experience of the sacred geography.

Besides, offering a plethora of cultural sites to visit, from discovering local cuisines, to arts & crafts, Assam offers several activities for all ages to get to know more about the state.

Updated 11:08 IST, August 5th 2024