Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, recently visited Charaideo Maidam to celebrate its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tribute marks an important milestone for Assam, as it becomes the first cultural site in Northeast India to achieve this global acclaim.
Paying tribute to the Great Ahom Kings, Shri Sonowal stressed their outstanding contributions to the Greater Assamese Society. He attributed this accomplishment to the leadership and vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he credited with supporting the cause of Assam’s cultural legacy on the global scene.
Speaking at the event, Shri Sonowal commented, “Charaideo Maidam stands as a testament to the architectural splendor of the Ahom era and the enduring legacy of our revered ancestors. This honor by UNESCO conveys the history, bravery, and cultural richness of the Ahom dynasty to the global stage. It also inspires us to maintain and celebrate our heritage with pride". He extended an invitation to global tourists, encouraging them to explore the site and experience Assam’s rich cultural traditions and the socio-cultural fabric incorporated by the Ahom rulers over their 600-year rule.
The Ahom dynasty, which ruled Assam for over six centuries, established Charaideo Maidams as royal burial grounds. Often referred to as the "Pyramids of Assam," these Maidams represent the architectural and cultural attainments of the dynasty. Their recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the culmination of years of advocacy, detailed planning, and dedicated administration.
Shri Sonowal reflected on the vision of Swargadeo Chaolung Sukapha, the founder of the Ahom dynasty in the 13th century. “Sukapha united diverse communities under the policy of ‘Saat Raj Saamari Ek Raj’ (seven kingdoms into one) and laid the foundation of Greater Assam. Today, Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ continues to echo these ideals by encouraging inclusivity and growth across India,” he said.
Measures to promote Charaideo Maidam’s status started in earnest under Shri Sonowal’s leadership as Chief Minister of Assam. During the 2020
Me-Dam-Me-Phi festivities, he encouraged the Prime Minister to prioritize the site’s legacy. The state government, under his directions, assigned funds and created a high-level committee to drive the UNESCO nomination ahead.
Significant milestones included:
- ₹5 crore allotted in 2017 for developing Charaideo into a cultural hub.
- ₹25 crore allotted in the following year’s state budget to support the UNESCO nomination procedure.
- Formation of a committee overseen by experts like Dr. K.C. Nauriyal and Dr. Yogendra Phukan, who designed an extensive dossier for UNESCO.
Shri Sonowal also assured continued advocacy at the national level and handed over the dossier to the Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Culture, which finally led to its proposal to UNESCO.
The honor of Charaideo Maidams has sparked global interest in Assam’s history and heritage. Shri Sonowal highlighted the significance of this accomplishment, stating that it not only celebrates the past but also places Assam as a cultural and tourism hub.
He concluded, “This honor shines a limelight on the timeless standards of the Ahom rulers, inspiring us to build a successful and culturally rich Assam. It is a moment of tremendous pride for all Asomiyas and a call to display our rich heritage on the world stage.”
As Charaideo Maidams step into the global limelight, they stand as a proud sign of Assam’s lasting legacy and its place in the world’s cultural landscape. (PR)