The unique mound-burial system 'Moidams' of Assam's Charaideo was on July 26 included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The burial mounds, represented by pyramid-like structures known, were used by the Tai-Ahom dynasty which ruled Assam for around 600 years. Charaideo was the capital of the Ahom kingdom.
Soon after the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X, formerly Twitter, to express his happiness. "A matter of immense joy and pride for India!," he said.
PM Modi wrote that the Moidams showcase the glorious Ahom culture, which places utmost reverence to ancestors. "I hope more people learn about the great Ahom rule and culture. Glad that the Moidams join the #WorldHeritage List."
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma thanked the Prime Minister for taking the initiative to ensure that the centuries-old mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
"It is great news for Assam as the Charaideo Moidam is now officially a UNESCO Heritage site ... Assam will always remain indebted to the Centre for this honour. This inclusion is a great honour for the country and not for Assam alone," Sarma told a press conference.
Taking to X, Sarma wrote that the Moidams of Charaideo embody the deep spiritual belief, rich civilisational heritage and architectural prowess of Assam's Tai-Ahom community.
The Moidams became the first cultural property from the northeast to get the coveted tag.
"It is the first time a site from the northeast has made it to the UNESCO World Heritage List under the Cultural Category and after Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, it is Assam's 3rd World Heritage Site. I urge all of you to come and experience Awesome Assam," the chief minister said.
World Heritage sites are categorised under cultural, natural and mixed.
There was so far no World Heritage Site in the category of cultural heritage from the Northeast out of 32 sites listed in the country. Manas and Kaziranga National Parks in Assam are World Heritage sites under the natural category, of which there are seven in India.
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