State teams to survey Ahom-era maidams at Chraideo in upper Assam

GUWAHATI: Altogether five teams of the Directorate of Land Records & Surveys will carry out a final survey and demarcation of the Ahom-era maidams at Chraideo in upper Assam. This move is part of the Assam government's earlier decision to explore the possibilities of inclusion of these maidams in the 'World Heritage' list. Moreover, such a survey and demarcation of the maidams will not only help in pursuing this move with the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific Cultural Organisation) but also in the proper preservation of these archaeologically significant sites.

Once a site has been nominated and evaluated, it is up to the inter-governmental 'World Heritage Committee' under UNESCO to make the final decision on its inscription. Once a year, the UNESCO Committee meets to decide which sites will be inscribed on the 'World Heritage List'.

Charaideo was the first permanent capital of the Ahom kingdom established by the first Ahom king Chao Lung Siu-Ka-Pha in 1253. Even though the capital moved to other places over the course of the 600 years of Ahom rule, Charaideo remained the symbol of Ahom power. The royal maidams are found exclusively at Charaideo; whereas many other maidams are found scattered in the region stretched between Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Sivasagar towns.

The Charaideo maidams are situated about 28 kms from Sivasagar town. The Charaideo Maidam is one of the most important historical sites of Assam. The maidams preserve the typically mummified mortal remains of the Ahom royalty and nobles.

Structurally, a maidam consists of vaults with one or more chambers. The vaults have a domical superstructure covered by a hemispherical earthen mound that rises high above the ground with an open pavilion at the peak called 'Chow chali'. An octagonal dwarf wall encloses the entire maidam.

The maidams are stretched over 578 bighas of land in Charaideo of Upper Assam. While the large four are being looked after by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India), 34 others are under the Directorate of Archaeology. However, no mapping has been done of these maidams till date.

Talking to The Sentinel, Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Jogen Mohan said, "The Assam government has already constituted an advisory committee for the 'Infrastructure Development of Charaideo World Heritage Site' under the chairmanship of Archaeology Minister Keshab Mahanta. Besides the Leader of Opposition, Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrata Saikia, the committee also includes officials and prominent persons.

"The State government has also earmarked Rs 25 crore for the preservation, protection, and preparation of dossier for the 'World Heritage site' proposal."

Minister Mohan added, "A meeting held on Monday evening decided that after the demarcation of maidam areas, walls will be erected around the border to shield the maidams."