Moidams Burial System of Ahom Dynasty

IAS Current Affairs

4 months ago

Source: PIB
GS I: Indian History

Overview

Why in the News?

India is hosting the World Heritage Committee Meeting for the first time.

It takes place from 21 to 31 July 2024, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
The World Heritage Committee meets annually and is responsible for managing all matters on World Heritage and deciding on sites to be inscribed on the World Heritage list.
The 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in 2024 will examine 27 nominations from around the world, including 19 Cultural, 4 Natural, 2 Mixed sites and 2 Significant modifications to the boundaries.
Out of which, India’s Moidams – The Mound – Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty is set to be examined under the category of Cultural Property.

The Moidams, also known as the royal burial mounds of the Ahom dynasty, are a testament to medieval Assam’s rich cultural heritage and architectural ingenuity.
These mounds, often referred to as the “Pyramids of Assam,” are located primarily in Charaideo, the first capital established by the Ahom kings.
The Ahom dynasty, which ruled Assam for over six centuries from 1228 to 1826, left behind these monumental structures that continue to intrigue historians and archaeologists alike.

Historical Context

The Ahom dynasty, originally from the Tai-Ahom clan, migrated from China and settled in the Brahmaputra Valley.
Under the leadership of King Sukapha, the Ahoms established their first capital at Charaideo, at the foothills of the Patkai range.
This site, known as Che-rai-doi or Che-tam-doi, became a sacred burial ground for the Ahom royals.
The Ahoms believed their kings were divine, which led to the creation of a unique funerary tradition involving the construction of Moidams.

Architectural Features

Moidams are characterized by their vaulted chambers, often double-storied, accessed through arched passages.
These chambers housed centrally raised platforms where the deceased were laid to rest along with their royal insignia, weapons, and personal belongings.
The construction of these mounds involved layers of bricks, earth, and vegetation, transforming the landscape into undulating hillocks reminiscent of celestial mountains.
The process of building a Moidam was meticulous and evolved.
Initially, wood was used, but later constructions incorporated stone and burnt bricks.
The Changrung Phukan, a canonical text of the Ahoms, details the elaborate rituals and architectural techniques used in the construction of these mounds.
Excavations have revealed that each vaulted chamber contained various objects used by the deceased during their lifetime, including royal insignia, objects made of wood, ivory, or iron, gold pendants, ceramic ware, weapons, clothes, and even human beings from the Luk-kha-khun clan.

Cultural Significance

The Moidams hold immense cultural and spiritual significance for the Ahom people.
They reflect the deep spiritual beliefs and hierarchical structure of Tai-Ahom society.
The grandeur of the rituals accompanying royal cremations and the meticulous construction of the mounds underscore the reverence with which the Ahoms treated their deceased royals.
Charaideo, in particular, remains a site of great historical and cultural importance.
It is a burial ground and a symbol of the Ahom dynasty’s legacy.
The continuity of the Moidam tradition at Charaideo highlights its outstanding universal value, making it a strong candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status.

The Ahom Dynasty, which ruled Assam from 1228 to 1826, was founded by Sukaphaa, a Tai prince from present-day Yunnan, China.
This dynasty established a powerful kingdom in the Brahmaputra Valley, known for its unique administrative and military systems.
The Ahoms introduced wet rice cultivation and built an extensive network of embankments and canals, significantly boosting agricultural productivity.
The Ahom rulers, known as Swargadeos, maintained their independence for nearly 600 years, successfully repelling Mughal invasions and integrating various ethnic groups into their society.
The kingdom’s capital moved several times, with notable locations including Charaideo, Garhgaon, and Rangpur.
The Ahom administration was highly organized, with a well-defined hierarchy and a system of land grants called Paik, which ensured a steady supply of labour and military personnel.
The Ahoms also promoted arts, culture, and literature, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of Assam.
Despite their strengths, the Ahom kingdom faced internal strife and external threats in the later years, particularly from the Burmese invasions.
The dynasty’s rule ended with the Treaty of Yandabo in 1826, which marked the beginning of British colonial rule in Assam.

Modern Recognition and Preservation

Recently, there has been a renewed interest in preserving and promoting the Moidams as a significant part of India’s cultural heritage.
The Indian government has nominated the Moidams for UNESCO World Heritage status, recognizing their historical and cultural importance.
Efforts are being made to preserve these ancient structures and promote them as tourist attractions, thereby ensuring that the legacy of the Ahom dynasty continues to be celebrated and remembered.

The Moidams of the Ahom kings are more than just burial mounds; they are a window into the rich cultural and spiritual world of the Ahom dynasty.
These monumental structures, with their unique architectural features and deep cultural significance, continue to captivate and inspire.
As India moves forward in preserving its heritage, the Moidams stand as a proud testament to the country’s diverse and vibrant history.

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