In a significant recognition of India’s rich cultural heritage, the ancient mound-burial system known as the Charaideo Maidams in Assam has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List under the cultural property category. This inclusion highlights the historical and cultural importance of the 700-year-old site, which serves as a testament to the Tai-Ahom dynasty’s legacy.
The decision to include the Charaideo Maidams in the UNESCO World Heritage List was made during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi. India’s nomination of the site for the 2023-2024 cycle underscores its cultural significance and the historical depth it represents. These burial mounds, resembling pyramid-like structures, have been in use since 1228 and house the mortal remains of Ahom royalty. Initially, the deceased were buried with their belongings, but this practice shifted to cremation following Hindu customs in the 18th century.
Chosen by the Government of India from a pool of 52 potential sites, the Charaideo Maidams were announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in Delhi. This announcement sparked widespread celebrations across Assam, marking a moment of pride for the state and its people.
On July 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially declared the Charaideo Maidams as India’s 43rd UNESCO World Heritage Site. This milestone is particularly significant as it is the first site from the northeastern region to be recognized in the cultural property category. Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, expressed his gratitude on social media, thanking the Prime Minister, UNESCO, and the people of Assam. “This is huge. The Maidams make it to the UNESCO World Heritage list under the Cultural Property category — a great win for Assam,” he said.
Chief Minister Sarma further acknowledged the dedication of the officials who worked tirelessly to meet all compliance requirements for the UNESCO recognition. He emphasized the site’s importance in a letter to Prime Minister Modi, highlighting that out of 386 explored Maidams, the 90 royal burials at Charaideo are the best preserved and most representative of this tradition.
The Charaideo Maidams’ inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List is a momentous achievement, marking Assam’s third World Heritage Site alongside the Kaziranga and Manas National Parks. This recognition not only honors the historical and cultural heritage of the Tai-Ahom dynasty but also brings global attention to the rich traditions of northeastern India. As Chief Minister Sarma stated, “The Maidams are highly venerated, and this recognition is a tribute to the unique burial architecture and tradition of the Tai Ahoms.”
This milestone reinforces the significance of preserving and celebrating India’s diverse cultural heritage, ensuring that the legacy of the Charaideo Maidams is honored and remembered for generations to come.