Ahom 'Moidam' Recommended for UNESCO World Heritage List

News

1. Ahom Moidams: The resting places of Ahom royal families in Assam's Charaideo district.
2. UNESCO World Heritage List: Recommended for inclusion by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).
3. World Heritage Committee Session: To be held in New Delhi, July 21-31.

Background

1. Only Indian Applicant: Among 36 global nominations, including 19 new ones.
2. Tentative List: First included in April 2014.
3. ICOMOS: An international advisory body for cultural heritage conservation.

ICOMOS Recommendation

1. Criteria for Inclusion:
   1. Criterion (iii): Exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or civilization.
   2. Criterion (iv): Outstanding example of a significant stage in human history.
2. Cultural Significance: Demonstrates 600 years of Tai-Ahom traditions at Charaideo.

History and Key Facts About Moidams

1. Dynasty: Ahom dynasty (13th-19th century).
2. Comparisons: Likened to royal tombs of ancient China and Egyptian pyramids.
3. Ahom Rule: Lasted until British annexation in 1826.
4. Charaideo: First capital founded in 1253.
5. Cultural Shift: Adoption of Hindu cremation methods in the 18th century.
6. Geographical Spread: Moidams found across regions where Tai-Ahom culture prevailed, including Northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Northern Burma, Southern China, and Northeast India.
7. 90 Moidams: Located within Charaideo necropolis on elevated land.
8. Construction: Earth mounds over hollow vaults of brick, stone, or earth, topped by a shrine.
9. Tai-Ahoms Migration: Migrated to Assam in the 13th century, Charaideo was the first capital.
10. Sacred Geography: Integration with natural features creating sacred topography.

Maintenance and Management

1. Condition: Well-maintained, minimal adverse effects.
2. Management: Jointly by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Assam Government's Directorate of Archaeology (DoA).
3. Protection: Legal protection deemed adequate, with suggestions for sustainable tourism and interpretation plan.
4. Property and Buffer Zone:
   1. Area: 95.02 hectares.
   2. Buffer Zone: 754.511 hectares.
   3. Inhabitants: No inhabitants within the property; approximately 4,017 in the buffer zone.

Significance

1. Exceptional Example: Represents Tai-Ahom funerary traditions and cosmologies.
2. High Concentration: High density of Moidams in the area, with clearly marked archaeological sites.
3. Integrity and Authenticity: Conditions met according to ICOMOS.

About ICOMOS

1. Established: 1965 in Warsaw, Poland.
2. Purpose: Conservation and enhancement of architectural and landscape heritage.
3. Role: Advisory to UNESCO on World Heritage Sites.

Global Geoparks Network

1. Established: 2014, subject to French legislation.
2. Partnership: Official partner of UNESCO for the operation of UNESCO Global Geoparks.

 

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