The Mound-Burial System of Ahom Dynasty Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List as India’s 43rd Entry

Moidams

• About: The Moidams are burial grounds for Tai Ahom kings and queens. They house the mortal remains of Ahom royalty along with cherished objects.
• Word Origin: The term ‘Moidam’ comes from the Tai words Phrang-Mai-Dam or Mai-Tam. “Phrang-Mai” means “to bury” and “Dam” refers to “the spirit of the dead.”
• Location: The Moidams are located in Charaideo district, Assam, serving as the resting place for royal families.
• Structure: Moidams are hemispherical burial mounds of varying sizes, reflecting the deceased’s status. They consist of a chamber, an earthen mound with a brick structure for offerings, and an octagonal boundary wall with an arched gateway facing west. 
  • Smaller Moidams may lack some features.
• Comparable to: Moidams are similar to the pyramids of Egypt.
• Practice Adopted From: After the 18th century, Ahom rulers adopted Hindu cremation methods and began entombing the cremated remains in Moidams at Charaideo.
• Practice Ceased: The burial practice ended when Tai Ahom rulers converted to other religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism.
• Factors Affecting the Property: Heavy rainfall, soil erosion, and vegetation growth pose challenges to the preservation and maintenance of Moidams.
• Cultural Significance: The Ahom Moidams are a remarkable example of a Tai-Ahom necropolis, illustrating their funerary traditions and cosmologies.

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