The Moidams of Assam, often called the “Pyramids of India,” have been inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site from India.
What are Moidams, where are they, and who built them?
The Moidams are comparable to the pyramids of Egyptian pharaohs and royal graves in ancient China. They are primarily found in the Sivasagar region, the former capital of the Tai-Ahom kingdom.
Located in the foothills of the Patkai Ranges in eastern Assam, the property contains 90 Moidams of different sizes.
Moidams are unique burial mounds represented by pyramid-like structures. The Tai-Ahom dynasty used them to bury their royals and nobles.
The Moidams are hollow vaults made of brick, stone, or earth that contain the deceased’s remains, along with offerings and other objects. Each Moidam’s construction includes several steps, such as placing the deceased in a specific posture, adding offerings, and covering the structure with earth.
The height of a Moidam usually indicates the power and stature of the person buried inside.
For 600 years, from the 13th to the 19th century CE, the Tai-Ahom constructed Moidams, or “home-for-spirit,” using natural elements like hills, forests, and water to create a sacred geography.
Road to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Moidams were nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status in 2023-24, and the decision to include them on the list was taken during the ongoing 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) being held in New Delhi.
The inscription was announced on July 26, 2024, making the Moidams the third World Heritage property from Assam, following Kaziranga National Park and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, both inscribed under the natural category in 1985.
This also marks the first time a site from the North East has been included in the World Heritage List under the Cultural Category.
The Moidams’ inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List is a significant milestone for India, as it brings the number of World Heritage sites in the country to 43, placing India sixth globally for the most world heritage properties.