India’s Moidams of Choraideo, Ahom Dynasty Burial System, Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage List.
New Delhi:
The ongoing 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi has brought India’s cultural heritage into focus with the nomination of the Moidams – The Mound – Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty. This nomination under the Cultural Property category highlights the profound historical and spiritual significance of Choraideo, a pivotal site in the Brahmaputra River Valley.
Originating from China, the Tai-Ahom clan established their capital in various regions along the Brahmaputra from the 12th to the 18th century CE. Among these, Choraideo held special reverence as the initial capital under Chau-lung Siu-ka-pha, situated at the foothills of the Patkai hills. This sacred site, known as Che-rai-doi or Che-tam-doi, was a center of spiritual rituals and royal burials for over six centuries.
The unique funerary tradition of the Tai-Ahoms centered around the construction of Moidams, vaulted mounds built using materials ranging from wood to stone and burnt bricks. These mounds, often double-storied with arched passages leading to centrally raised platforms, housed the remains of Tai-Ahom royalty along with their regalia, weapons, and personal effects.
Choraideo’s landscape, transformed by these monumental structures into undulating hillocks reminiscent of celestial mountains, reflects not only the Tai-Ahoms’ beliefs about life and death but also their cultural resilience amidst changing religious landscapes influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism.
Despite challenges such as early 20th-century vandalism, rigorous efforts led by the Archaeological Survey of India and the Assam State Department of Archaeology have ensured the preservation and restoration of Choraideo. Protected under national and state laws, this site continues to stand as a testament to the Tai-Ahom civilization’s enduring legacy in Northeast India.
Comparisons drawn with ancient Chinese royal tombs and Egyptian pyramids underscore the universal significance of honoring and preserving royal lineage through monumental architecture. Choraideo, distinguished by its scale, concentration, and spiritual importance within the broader Tai-Ahom cultural region, remains a profound symbol of heritage and identity.
As the World Heritage Committee convenes to evaluate nominations from across the globe, the Moidams of Choraideo represent India’s commitment to safeguarding cultural diversity and historical continuity. This nomination seeks to secure UNESCO’s recognition of Choraideo’s Outstanding Universal Value, celebrating its architectural grandeur and cultural significance for future generations.
