Guwahati, Oct 11: A UNESCO delegation, led by Lim Chen Sian, has initiated a three-day assessment of the Ahom-era maidams, or mound burials, in Assam’s Charaideo district. The purpose of this visit is to evaluate the site’s eligibility for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, shared updates on the progress via his social media account, stating, “We are making progress to ensure Charaideo, the first permanent capital of the Ahom Kingdom, receives the UNESCO world heritage status. Had a good meeting with the UNESCO team, led by Mr. Lim Chen, which has just completed an inspection of the historical site.”
Charaideo, located in upper Assam, is renowned for its pyramid-shaped mound tombs, serving as the final resting place for Ahom kings and queens. This ancient site holds the distinction of being the inaugural permanent capital of the Ahom kingdom, founded by Ahom King Chao Lung Siu-Ka-Pha.
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In the current year, Charaideo’s maidams were India’s sole submission for UNESCO World Heritage Site classification in the cultural category.
Local residents accorded a traditional welcome to Sian and other dignitaries. Sian took part in Ahom furalung rites held at the ASI campus and gained an initial glimpse of the site ahead of his planned visit to the heart of the proposed World Heritage Site on Sunday.
An informative exhibition has been established at the site, offering historical insights into Charaideo maidams and life during the 600-year rule of the Ahom kingdom.
