New Delhi, July 26 (HS): Assam's Moidam historic mound crematorium has been included in UNESCO's World Heritage List. This decision was taken in the World Heritage Committee meeting on Friday at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Moidam is the first cultural site (from the cultural heritage category) to be included in the World Heritage List and the third overall site in the North East. The other two are Kaziranga and Manas, which were already inscribed under the natural heritage category. After today's announcement, Charaideo Moidam became India's 43rd World Heritage Site.

According to the Ministry of Culture, the central government had been demanding to declare it a world heritage for a decade. Charaideo Moidam was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the cultural category at the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the program of this committee.

Charaideo Moidam was the process of burying the mortal remains of members of the Ahom dynasty that ruled Assam. The king was buried along with his belongings. Charaideo Moidam is an important historical and cultural site in Northeast India. These ancient burial mounds were built by Ahom kings during the 13th to 18th centuries.

Looking like grassy mounds, Charaideo Moidam is considered sacred by the Ahom community. Each Moidam is believed to be the resting place of an Ahom ruler or dignitary. Their remains as well as valuable artifacts and treasures are preserved here. Moidam reflects the rich tradition of Assamese identity and heritage. Charaideo Moidam is also called the Pyramid of Assam.

Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar / Manoj Kumar Tayal