Question 781
Which of the following UNESCO World Heritage Sites is associated with the Ahom dynasty and located in Assam?
Answer
Moidams – the Mound-Burial System
Why?
The correct answer is Moidams – the Mound-Burial System . Key Points Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty was officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2024 during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi . It is located in the Charaideo district of Assam and represents the unique burial traditions of the Tai-Ahom community. Hence, the correct answer is Moidams – the Mound-Burial System. This site is the 43rd UNESCO World Heritage Site in India and notably the first cultural site from Northeast India to receive this prestigious recognition. The Moidams are vaulted chambers (mounds) often compared to the pyramids of Egypt , serving as the final resting place for the Ahom kings and royalty . The Ahom dynasty ruled the Brahmaputra Valley for nearly 600 years from 1228 to 1826 , and Charaideo was their first capital established by Chao Lung Siu-ka-pha . Additional Information Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple : Located in Palampet , Telangana , it was built during the Kakatiya period in 1213 AD by Recharla Rudra . It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021 . Hence, this statement is incorrect in the context of Assam. Rang Ghar : A two-storied building in Sivasagar , Assam , which served as a royal sports pavilion for Ahom kings . While it is a magnificent Ahom monument built by Swargadeo Pramatta Singha in 1744 , it has not been individually designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Hence, this statement is incorrect. Mahabodhi Temple Complex : Located in Bodh Gaya , Bihar , it is one of the four holy sites related to the life of Lord Buddha . It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002 and is associated with Buddhism , not the Ahom dynasty . Hence, this statement is incorrect. Important Points Architectural Features of Moidams : A Moidam consists of a hollow vaulted chamber built of brick and stone , covered by a hemispherical earthen mound . The top of the mound is typically crowned by a small open pavilion called a Chow-chali , and the entire structure is enclosed by an octagonal dwarf wall . There are 90 such burial mounds at Charaideo , reflecting the Tai-Ahom belief in the afterlife and their ancestor worship. Significance of the Ahom Dynasty : The Ahoms migrated from Yunnan , China , and created a new state by suppressing the older political system of the Bhuiyans . They are famous for defeating the Mughal Empire multiple times, most notably in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671 under the leadership of Lachit Borphukan . The UNESCO recognition helps preserve the unique cultural landscape and architectural ingenuity of this medieval kingdom.
