TAG: GS- 1: Art and culture
Context: The Charaideo Moidams, a 700-year-old mound-burial system from Assam, is officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 26, 2024.
Explanation:
The Charaideo Moidams, a 700-year-old mound-burial system from Assam, were officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This marks India’s 43rd property to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage index and the first from the Northeast in the cultural category.
The announcement was made during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, highlighted the significance of this recognition, bringing global attention to Assam’s rich cultural heritage.
Historical background:
- Initially, the Ahoms practiced mound burials but later adopted the Hindu method of cremation in the 18th century. They then entombed the cremated bones and ashes in the Moidams at Charaideo.
- The Charaideo Moidams are a significant tourist destination in Assam, showcasing the deep spiritual beliefs and architectural prowess of the Tai-Ahom community.
- Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and UNESCO for recognizing the Moidams as a World Heritage site.
- The Moidams were nominated as India’s official entry for the World Heritage List in 2023.
- Of the 386 Moidams explored, 90 royal burials at Charaideo are the best preserved and most representative of this tradition.
About the Ahom Dynasty and Moidams:
- The Moidams are earthen burial mounds that house the mortal remains and belongings of Ahom royalty, who ruled for 600 years before the British takeover. Similar to Egypt’s pyramids, these mounds represent a unique burial tradition of the Ahom dynasty.
46th World Heritage Committee Session:
- The ongoing session is examining 27 nominations globally, including 19 cultural, four natural, and two mixed sites, as well as modifications to existing boundaries.
- This is the first time India is hosting the World Heritage Committee session.
World Heritage Committee
- It is a committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.
- The Committee is responsible for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, defines the use of the World Heritage Fund, and allocates financial assistance upon requests from States Parties.
- It has the final say on whether a property is inscribed on the World Heritage List.
- It examines reports on the state of conservation of inscribed properties and asks States Parties to take action when properties are not being properly managed.
- It also decides on the inscription or deletion of properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):
- It is a specialized agency of the United Nations.
- It was founded with the mission of contributing to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through education, science and culture.
- UNESCO cultural conventions and projects provide platforms for international cooperation and establish a holistic cultural governance system based on human rights and shared values.
- UNESCO has 193 member States and 11 associate members.
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