Moidan are being examined under the category of Cultural Property
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Sunday (July 21, 2024). This historic event marks the first time India is hosting the World Heritage Committee Meeting, which will conclude on July 31, 2024. The committee is responsible for managing all matters related to World Heritage and deciding on sites to be inscribed on the World Heritage list.

One of the highlights of this session is the nomination of Northeast India’s historic Moidam – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty – for inclusion in UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage List. This nomination is particularly significant as it would be the first heritage site from Northeast India to receive such recognition.

The meet will examine 27 nominations from around the world, including 19 Cultural, 4 Natural, 2 Mixed sites and 2 Significant modifications to the boundaries. Assam's Moidams is set to be examined under the category of Cultural Property.

Outstanding Universal Value 

The Tai-Ahom clan, migrating from China, established their capital in various parts of the Brahmaputra River Valley from the 12th to the 18th century CE. Choraideo, one of the most revered sites, was established as their first capital under Chau-lung Siu-ka-pha at the foothills of the Patkai hills. This sacred site, known as Che-rai-doi or Che-tam-doi, remained a significant burial ground for Tai-Ahom royals.

Moidams are vaulted mounds constructed for royal burials, reflecting the Tai-Ahom belief in the divine nature of their kings. Over 600 years, the construction techniques evolved from wood to stone and burnt bricks. These mounds, meticulously detailed in the Changrung Phukan, a canonical text of the Ahoms, housed the deceased along with royal insignia, weapons, and personal belongings, transforming the landscape into a series of undulating hillocks reminiscent of celestial mountains.

The nomination of the Moidams underscores their Outstanding Universal Value under UNESCO criteria. This funerary landscape reflects Tai-Ahom beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife, serving as a testament to their cultural identity amidst shifts towards Buddhism and Hinduism among the population. The concentration of Moidams at Choraideo distinguishes it as the largest and most significant cluster, preserving the grand royal burial practices unique to the Tai-Ahoms.

Despite challenges such as vandalism by treasure seekers in the early 20th century, efforts by the Archaeological Survey of India and the Assam State Department of Archaeology have helped restore and preserve Choraideo's integrity. Protected under national and state laws, the site continues to be managed to safeguard its structural and cultural authenticity.

Comparisons can be drawn between the Moidams of Choraideo and royal tombs in ancient China and the pyramids of Egyptian pharaohs, illustrating universal themes of honoring and preserving royal lineage through monumental architecture. Choraideo stands out for its scale, concentration, and spiritual significance within the broader Tai-Ahom cultural region spanning parts of Southeast Asia and Northeast India.

PM Modi Highlights India's Rich Heritage 

During his inaugural address, Prime Minister Modi expressed delight that the World Heritage Committee meeting is commencing on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima. He extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries and guests, especially UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay. He highlighted that hosting this program is a matter of pride for India and emphasized the significance of North East India’s historic Moidam nomination.

“This is India’s 43rd World Heritage Site and Northeast India’s first heritage to get the status of Cultural World Heritage,” he said. He expressed belief that Maidam, with its unique cultural significance, will gain more popularity and traction after being listed.

The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s rich heritage, citing examples such as the 2000-year-old Iron Pillar in Delhi and the architectural marvels of the 8th century Kedarnath temple and the Brihadeeswara Temple in the South of India. He concluded by urging foreign guests and dignitaries to explore India and its cultural heritage, emphasizing that India’s vision is development as well as heritage – "Vikas bhi Virasat bhi."

Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, UNESCO DG Azoulay, and Chairperson of the World Heritage Committee Vishal Sharma were present among others.

The World Heritage Committee Meeting will include discussions on nominating new sites, state of conservation reports for existing properties, and utilization of World Heritage Funds. With over 2000 delegates from more than 150 countries, this session is set to be a landmark event in the global effort for heritage conservation.

Various exhibitions at Bharat Mandapam are showcasing India’s culture, including the Return of Treasures Exhibition featuring artifacts brought back to the country.
 AR and VR technologies are providing immersive experiences of World Heritage sites such as Rani ki Vav, Kailasa Temple, and Hoysala Temple. An ‘Incredible India’ exhibition is highlighting India’s rich cultural heritage, geographical diversity, and tourism destinations along with modern developments in IT and infrastructure.

As the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee unfolds, North East India's historic Moidam stands at the forefront, symbolizing the region’s rich cultural legacy and its potential recognition on the world stage.