Guwahati, 20th July: The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) has put forward a recommendation for the inclusion of Assam’s ‘Moidams’ on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These mound-burial sites from the Ahom dynasty, characterized by pyramid-like structures, are being considered for this prestigious recognition at the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi from July 21-31.
Janhwij Sharma from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) confirmed that the ‘Moidams’ meet the necessary criteria for a UNESCO heritage tag. If accepted, this would mark the first cultural property from Northeast India to receive such recognition.
Vishal V Sharma, chairperson of the World Heritage Committee, emphasized the significance of this potential inclusion. The session in Delhi will also feature a variety of cultural events and exhibitions. The Ministry of Tourism and other ministries have curated special exhibitions, including models of forts related to Chhatrapati Shivaji presented by the Maharashtra government. Over 2,000 delegates from more than 150 countries are expected to participate.
The World Heritage Young Professionals Forum and the World Heritage Site Managers’ Forum will also take place during this period, focusing on heritage conservation and management.
According to the UNESCO website, ‘Moidams’ are unique vaulted chambers (chow-chali), often double-storied, with an arched passage for entry. Atop the hemispherical mud mounds, layers of bricks and earth are laid. The base of the mound is reinforced by a polygonal toe-wall and an arched gateway on the west. Eventually, the mound would be covered by vegetation, transforming the area into an undulating landscape reminiscent of hillocks.
Excavations reveal that each vaulted chamber has a centrally raised platform where the body was laid. Various objects used by the deceased during their life, including royal insignia, objects made of wood, ivory, iron, gold pendants, ceramic ware, weapons, clothes, and even human beings from the Luk-kha-khun clan, were buried with the king.