GUWAHATI: Established by Ahom King Chao Lung Siu-Ka-Pha in 1228, Charaideo in Assam was the first capital of the Ahom Kingdom. Though the capital shifted several times, Charaideo retained its symbolic importance. It is renowned for its collection of maidams, or burial mounds, of Ahom kings and royalty, earning it the nickname ‘Pyramids of Assam.’ Of over 150 maidams, only 30 are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Assam State Archaeology Department.
Architectural significance
Charaideo’s architecture features underground vaults with domed chambers, covered by earthen mounds resembling hillocks. Atop each mound is a small open pavilion called ‘chow-chali,’ constructed of bricks and stones. The site’s extensive burial practices included not just kings and queens, but also attendants, pets, and valuables, leading to encroachment and damage over time. Nearby, Su-Ka-Pha Park, set up by NGO Probah, offers recreational options for children.
World Heritage recognition
The Charaideo Maidams, a 700-year-old burial system of the Ahom dynasty, have recently been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. This recognition, finalized during the 46th World Heritage Committee session in New Delhi, marks the first time a cultural site from northeastern India has been added to the list. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the significance of this achievement, noting that it is the state’s third World Heritage Site after Kaziranga and Manas National Parks. The Prime Minister and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also praised the inclusion, which underscores the rich heritage of the Ahom dynasty and invites global attention to Charaideo.
Historical context
The Ahoms originally practiced cremation, transitioning to entombing cremated bones and ashes in maidams at Charaideo from the 18th century. Moidams represent the late medieval mound-burial tradition of the Tai Ahoms, with 90 of the 386 explored moidams at Charaideo being the most well-preserved. These burial practices reflect the evolving religious and cultural dynamics of the Ahom dynasty, with the belief that part of the deceased’s spirit resided in the moidam, ensuring the state’s well-being.
Sacred geography and burial practices
Moidams were created by covering a hollow vault with an earthen mound, featuring a burial pit (Garvha) for embalmed bodies or cremated remains. The site’s sacred geography was shaped by clustering burial mounds of various sizes, ceremonially sited to reflect the importance of these burial practices.
Buffer zone and associated remains
The 754.511-hectare Buffer Zone includes elements related to funerary rituals, other moidams, and archaeological remains of the first Ahom capital city and settlements. This area features ritual ponds, ceremonial pathways, and remains of religious structures, set within a rural landscape where Tai-Ahom customs continue.
Global recognition and tourism
The Charaideo Maidams are emerging as a significant tourist destination. An exhibition in New Delhi featured a model of the maidams, celebrating their architectural and cultural significance. This recognition not only brings global attention to Assam’s rich heritage but also encourages further exploration and study. The site’s World Heritage status highlights the unique architecture and profound history of the Ahom dynasty.
The inclusion of Charaideo Maidams in the UNESCO World Heritage list is a monumental achievement for Assam and India, bringing global recognition to the region’s historical and cultural richness. This achievement paves the way for increased tourism and academic interest, inviting exploration and appreciation of this extraordinary chapter of Indian history.
