Charaideo MOIDAMS: India's Nomination for UNESCO World Heritage Tag
Context : The Ahom dynasty's mound-burial system in Assam, known as Moidams, has been nominated by India for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for 2023-24.
History of Moidams
Time Period: These represent the mound-burial tradition of the Tai Ahoms from the 13th to 19th century CE.
Royal Burials: Out of 386 explored Moidams, 90 at Charaideo are the most preserved and complete, laying claim to World Heritage status.
Evolution: Initially involved burying the deceased with their belongings, but later adopted Hindu cremation methods in the 18th century, entombing the cremated remains.
Tradition and Cultural Significance
Beliefs: The Ahoms believe a part of the deceased's spirit resides in the Moidam, ensuring the state's well-being.
Representation: Symbolizes unique cultural ethos and technical genius, transforming the natural landscape into "Ahom Heaven" and "Ancestral Spirit Forest".
Heritage Site: The Charaideo site adds a new burial typology to the World Heritage Sites list.
Sacred Geography: Physical transformation of the landscape achieved by clustering ceremonial burial mounds.
Description of Moidams
Structure: Mounds cover a hollow vault made of bricks, stone, or earth.
Interior: The 'Garvha' or burial pit inside the vault holds the embalmed or cremated remains of Kings and Royals.
Buffer Zone: Spanning 754.511 hectares, including ritual ponds, ceremonial pathways, other Moidams, and archaeological remains, showcasing the 'Ahom-way of life'.
World Heritage Sites: Overview
Definition: Recognized as landmarks of 'Outstanding Universal Value', these sites are inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO.
Importance: Have special significance beyond the host country's borders.
Convention and Duties: The UNESCO World Heritage Convention, in effect since 1975, outlines the responsibilities of State Parties in protecting and preserving these sites.
Nomination Process: Countries nominate heritage sites to UNESCO's World Heritage Committee for evaluation.
Criteria: Cultural heritage sites must meet one or more of six criteria, while natural sites must meet one of four criteria.
Annual Nominations: According to the latest guidelines (July 2021), one country can send only one nomination per year.
Evaluation Bodies: The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) evaluate cultural and natural heritage sites, respectively.
