Assam's Ahom Dynasty Moidams Earn UNESCO World Heritage Status

Recently, India got its 43rd UNESCO World Heritage Site and Assam its third inscription. Travel content creator and blogger, Gopa Bezboruah aka Mommy Gopa on Instagram says, “As a mom travel blogger, I'm very thrilled to know that Charaideo Moidam has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition is a testament to the unique cultural and historical significance of the Ahom burial mounds.” With this, the Moidams or Maidams of the Ahom dynasty became part of the culturally rich sites that preserve the true essence of India. 

‘Moidam’ which is derived from the Tai words 'Phrang-Mai-Dam' or 'Mai-Tam' - meaning to bury and the spirit of the dead holds a great significance in the Tai-ahom. Tai-ahom is an ethnic group from the states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh who ruled over the Ahom kingdom (1228 -1826 CE), which controlled much of the Brahmaputra Valley in modern Assam until 1826. During their reign, the Ahom kings, queens and nobles were buried inside a Moidom. These burial sites are now a representation of their notable culture. “They symbolise the Ahom tradition of ancestor worship and reverence for the deceased, reflecting the dynasty's spiritual and cultural practices,” says Gopa Bezboruah. 

Though Moidams are found in all districts of upper Assam, Charaideo, the first capital of the Ahoms, served as the necropolis for almost all the Ahom royals. The first king of the Ahoms, Chau-lung Siu-ka-pha, was buried in Charaideo after his death, with all the Tai-Ahom religious rites and rituals being observed. Since then, it became customary to bury Tai-Ahom kings, queens, princes, and princesses there. During their six hundred years of rule, this place became a venerated and sacred site

The Architecture

“Architecturally, the moidams showcase a blend of Tai-Ahom, Indigenous Assamese, and Mughal influences, highlighting the region's rich historical tapestry," says Gopa. The outside of the Moidam is shaped like a hemispherical sphere, and depending on the strength, standing, and resources of the deceased, they can range in size from a little mound to a hillock that is around twenty meters high. A Maidam consists of three main components: an earthen mound enclosing the chamber in the shape of a hemispherical sphere, with an arched gateway on its western side, and an octagonal boundary wall surrounding the base of the mound with a brick building known as the Chaw-Chali for annual offerings. Gopa recalls, “One can find around 90 such Moidams of different sizes within the site.”

Originally, the vaults were constructed from solid wooden poles and beams, likely starting with King Rudra Singha (1696–1714) and his successors. These wooden vaults were later replaced with stone and brick structures. According to the Chronicles of Charng-rung Phukan (Chang-rung Phukanar Buranjee), the bricks and stones of the Moidams were bonded with a mortar mix of lime (from limestone and snail shells), pulses, resin, hemp, molasses, and fish. The deceased's remains were stored inside the vaults after a ritual observance period ranging from six months to two years. The Ahom rulers were interred with their clothing, decorations, and weaponry.

Due to their status as treasure troves, the Moidams attracted numerous looters, including Mughal, British, and local raiders. The first ground plan of a Moidam was drawn by Sergeant C. Clayton during the excavation in 1840, requested by Captain T. Brody, the Principal Assistant Commissioner of Assam at the time. Clayton’s findings, published in the Asiatic Society of Bengal journal in June 1848, included a gold lime container, goblets, platters, ear decorations, a silver toothpick case, rings, and other items, which were eventually acquired by Mr. Bedford. The last known excavation took place in 1905 under the supervision of several Ahom princesses.

During the excavation of Moidam No. 2 from 2000 to 2002 by the ASI Guwahati Circle, several artifacts were discovered. Noteworthy among them are ivory decorative pieces and wooden objects. One wooden item appears to be the shaft of a dish-on-stand (sarai) designed in the shape of a Stambha (pillar). An ivory panel features a mythical dragon—an Ahom royal insignia—along with intricate carvings of an elephant, peacock, and floral motifs. Other finds included copper fittings, iron hooks, iron pins, small ivory art objects, round ivory buttons, cowries, gold pendants, and a few lead cannonballs. These artifacts are now stored in the Siu-ka-pha Archaeological Museum. 

These Moidams are a true representation of the Assamese culture and the marvel this state holds. The travel blogger says, "I can't wait to explore this place with my 2 kids and document the rich heritage, stunning architecture, and fascinating history that Charaideo Moidam offers. This is not just a win for Assam, but for all who value and cherish world heritage.”

How to visit here?

You can fly to Jorhat or Dibrugarh airports and then drive to Charaideo, a 2- to 3-hour journey by car. Alternatively, take a train from Guwahati to Simaluguri station and then drive 13 kilometers. The most convenient option is to drive from Shivsagar, about 30-40 kilometers away, which takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. You can also hire a taxi or use local buses or shared taxis from Sibsagar to Sonari, the nearest town to Charaideo. From Sonari, hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach Charaideo Moidam, about 7-10 kilometers away. While Shivsagar offers the best accommodation options, you may also find limited choices in Simaluguri or Sonari.

The ideal time to visit is from October to April when the weather is pleasant.