Moidams of Ahom Dynasty

On July 25th, 2024, the Moidams of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam have been declared India's 43rd World Heritage Site during the 46th World Heritage Committee session in New Delhi.

Key Points

The Moidams are burial mounds of Ahom kings, queens, and nobles in Assam.
The name "Moidam" comes from the Tai words "Phrang-Mai-Dam" or "Mai-Tam," meaning to bury and the spirit of the dead.
The size of the Moidams ranges from small mounds to large hillocks, depending on the status and resources of the deceased.
Originally, vaults were made of wooden poles and beams but were replaced with stone and brick during the reign of King Rudra Singha (CE 1696-1714).
Inside the vault, the dead were buried with their belongings, including clothes, ornaments, and weapons. The burial also included valuables and, at times, living or dead attendants.
The practice of burying people alive was abolished by King Rudra Singha.

Each Moidam has three main parts:

1.A vault or chamber where the body is placed.
2.A hemispherical earthen mound covering the chamber.
3.A brick structure (Chaw-chali) on top for annual offerings and an octagonal boundary wall with an arched gateway.

Ahom Clan

The Tai-Ahom clan, migrating from China, established their first capital at Choraideo, under Chau-lung Siu-ka-pha at the foothills of the Patkai hills. They ruled for 600 years.
The Tai-Ahom people believed their kings were divine, leading to the establishment of a unique funerary tradition: the construction of Moidams, or vaulted mounds, for royal burials
The sacred site, known as Che-rai-doi or Che-tam-doi, was consecrated with rituals that reflected the deep spiritual beliefs of the Tai-Ahoms.
Over centuries, Choraideo retained its significance as a burial ground where the departed souls of the Tai-Ahom royals transcended into the afterlife.