Charaideo Maidams crowned as UNESCO World Heritage Site: Assam receives global recognition

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 15, 2025

In a moment of immense pride for Assam, the Charaideo Maidams, renowned as the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty, have officially been recognized as India’s 43rd UNESCO World Heritage Site. The recognition certificate was ceremonially presented to Assam Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Borah on January 13 at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris by Ernesto Ottone Ramírez, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Culture.

The Charaideo Maidams’ inscription in July 2024 marked a pivotal moment in India’s cultural preservation efforts. This recognition highlights the region’s rich historical and cultural legacy, celebrated as an enduring symbol of the Ahom dynasty’s architectural and burial traditions.

Minister Bimal Borah, reflecting on the honour, expressed, “This recognition is a priceless gift on the eve of Magh Bihu, celebrating Assam’s heritage on the global stage. It is a tribute to our ancestors and their contribution to India’s history.”

The ceremonial event witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the World Heritage Centre, and Bishal B. Sarma, Indian Ambassador to France. As a token of Assam’s cultural heritage, Borah presented replicas of the state’s iconic one-horned rhinoceros and Assam tea to UNESCO officials.

The Charaideo Maidams stands as a timeless testament to Assam’s deep-rooted cultural identity. Once the royal burial grounds of the Ahom kings and nobles, these sacred mounds are an invaluable link to the state’s past, blending history, architecture, and spirituality.

This recognition not only honours Assam’s illustrious past but also emphasizes the importance of preserving its cultural treasures for future generations. The ceremonial acknowledgement in Paris reaffirms India’s commitment to safeguarding its heritage on a global platform.