The UNESCO World Heritage status granted to the Moidams is a significant moment that blends cultural celebration with political strategy. This accolade not only honours the historical significance of the Ahom dynasty’s burial mounds but also reveals the BJP’s attempt to court the Ahom community, showcasing the strategic use of cultural heritage in contemporary politics
The announcement was also welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Reacting to the news Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted, “The Moidams make it to the #UNESCO World Heritage list under the category Cultural Property – a great win for Assam. The Moidams of Charaideo embody the deep spiritual belief, rich civilisational heritage and architectural prowess of Assam’s Tai-Ahom community.”
Why UNESCO World Heritage Site status to Moidams matters politically?
The timing of Moidams getting World Heritage recognition, although long anticipated, couldn’t be more fortuitous for the BJP, with Assam’s Assembly elections on the horizon in 2026. Facing the need to bolster their support, the BJP is now focussed on consolidating every possible advantage and the Ahom community’s substantial voter base in Upper Assam is seen as crucial to their electoral strategy. Assam Chief Minister Sarma and the BJP have keenly acknowledged the substantial influence of the Ahom community in the state.
Although the BJP hasn’t explicitly stated it, their strategy suggests a clear hope to gain substantial political mileage from UNESCO’s recent declaration. By securing international recognition for the Moidams, the party appears to be aiming to foster a sense of cultural pride and belonging among the people of Assam. This recognition could act as a catalyst, creating a sentiment that politically benefits the ruling party by reinforcing the state’s significance within the broader national narrative.
For many years, Assam has been plagued by complaints of marginalisation and discrimination, with its citizens feeling sidelined in national policies. This perception might undergo a transformation with this unprecedented recognition, which is a credit to the current government. Such acknowledgment could serve as an important moment reshaping Assam’s image and countering the narrative of neglect. When the political climate is favourable, the BJP is likely to claim credit for this achievement. Even if they refrain from making overt claims, they are likely banking on the people perceiving it as a gift from the ruling party.
The party, therefore, bears the responsibility to bring this issue to the forefront of public discourse. The project’s anticipated success was largely due to the site’s unique position as a cultural landmark in Asia and possibly the world. This made the initiative not only necessary but strategically significant. The incorporation of the Moidams into broader cultural policies further emphasises the importance of this recognition. It presents a political opportunity that the BJP could leverage to strengthen their narrative and position themselves as champions of Assam’s heritage.
The relevance of this strategy becomes clearer in light of recent political developments. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi achieved a significant victory by securing the majority of votes in 10 out of the 11 Assembly constituencies within the Jorhat Lok Sabha constituency, including those dominated by the Ahom community. The Ahom areas of Sonari and Mahmora in Charaideo district, along with Demow, Sibsagar and Nazira in Sivasagar district, all contribute to the historical and electoral significance of Jorhat.
With the Ahom community comprising 32.25 per cent of the total electorate in Jorhat, their votes are important. The strategic importance of this constituency was highlighted when Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 125-foot statue of Lachit Barphukan, the legendary Ahom general.
The BJP’s nervousness was evident following the unexpected victory of Congress’s Gaurav Gogoi in the Jorhat Lok Sabha seat, where he defeated the incumbent BJP MP, Topon Kumar Gogoi. This electoral upset prompted a strategic reassessment by the BJP, revealing the critical role of the Ahom community in shaping Assam’s political future.
What are the Charaideo Moidams?
The Moidams of Charaideo, nestled at the foothills of the Patkai range, beautifully capture the Tai-Ahom culture’s deep-seated reverence for their kings and distinctive funerary practices. Located just 28 kilometres east of Sivasagar, Charaideo stands as a testament to the Ahom dynasty’s legacy.
Charaideo gained prominence as a sacred burial site when the first Ahom king, Chau-lung Siu-ka-pha, was interred there with all the solemnity and grandeur befitting Tai-Ahom religious rites. This tradition set a precedent, and soon it became customary to bury Ahom royalty—kings, queens, princes and princesses—in this hallowed ground. Over their six-hundred-year reign, Charaideo transformed into a revered site, echoing the echoes of history and devotion.
The Moidams themselves are architectural marvels with exteriors shaped like hemispheres. Their sizes range from modest mounds to towering hillocks over 20 metres tall, reflecting the status and resources of the individual interred. Each Moidam consists of three distinct elements: a vaulted chamber where the royal remains are placed, a hemispherical earthen mound that rises above it, topped with a brick structure known as a Chaw-chali for annual offerings and an octagonal boundary wall encircling the base, complete with an arched gateway facing west. While smaller Moidams may lack some of these elaborate features, the grandeur of the larger structures speaks volumes about the prominence of those buried within.
“This heritage spans over 800 years, and this recognition will help preserve and promote it within the international community. Alongside this, it will generate economic opportunities through tourism, research and other activities. In other words, Assam and its people will now be prominently featured on the international tourism map. It is anticipated that in the coming years, Assam will experience significant growth in the tourism industry,” Raktim Patar, Associate Professor, Centre for Historical Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University told Firstpost.
“Similarly, the state’s infrastructure will receive a significant boost in areas such as roads, bridges, connectivity, accommodations and hotels. This recognition not only marks a cultural milestone but also highlights our heritage and history,” he said.
“Through this recognition, most of the sites along the Charaideo Moidam will receive protection from the Archaeological Survey of India and UNESCO. It is crucial for local people to engage in generating income through tourism activities. The people of Assam and North East India should seize this opportunity. Once a site is recognised by UNESCO, it attracts visitors from around the world. Consequently, it will be the responsibility of the local communities to capitalise on the economic benefits generated by tourism,” said Patar.
Who are the Ahoms?
The Ahoms are a significant ethnic group in Assam, originally migrating from Southeast Asia in the 13th century under the leadership of Tai Prince Chaolung Sukapha. They established a powerful kingdom that endured for nearly six centuries noted for its resistance against Mughal invasions, particularly during the Battle of Saraighat in 1671, led by the legendary commander Lachit Borphukan. Their innovative Paik system and cultural assimilation policies helped shape the region’s identity and governance.
Today, the Ahoms remain an influential ethnic group in Assam actively participating in the state’s political, social and cultural life.
Ultimately, the UNESCO World Heritage status for the Moidams not only honours a rich cultural legacy but also strategically positions the BJP to leverage this recognition for future political gains highlighting the intricate interplay between heritage and electoral strategy.
Link to article –
Why UNESCO tag for Charaideo Moidams will help BJP woo Ahoms of Assam
