Dibrugarh: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled the official Unesco World Heritage recognition plaque at the Charaideo Moidam site on Thursday.
This event marks a key milestone following the site’s addition to the Unesco World Heritage List on July 26, 2024, highlighting its unique 700-year-old mound-burial system from the Ahom dynasty.
The Charaideo Moidams, often called the “pyramids of Assam,” comprise over 90 royal burial mounds in the Charaideo valley, serving as the first capital of the Ahom kings, who ruled for nearly 600 years.
Speaking to reporters, the chief minister revealed a tourism surge post-recognition. “The Unesco tag has already put Charaideo on the global map. Since the recognition, we have welcomed over 80,000 domestic tourists, and in 2025 alone, approximately 200 foreign travellers visited this sacred ground,” he said.
The CM outlined an ambitious four-point roadmap to transform Charaideo into a premier international tourist hub. The first phase focuses on academic research and scientific investigation. “Several Moidams are yet to be excavated. To facilitate this, a dedicated study circle will be established in a state university to spearhead deep research into the Ahom burial traditions,” he added.
The second and third pillars of the plan involve meticulous maintenance and community participation. The CM emphasised that the local community must become stakeholders in this growth. “When international tourists arrive, we will need homestays and eco-friendly guest houses. We also envision organising cultural festivals like Me-Dam-Me-Phi on a grander scale to showcase our living traditions,” Sarma added.
The final phase involves the development of the buffer zone. Of the numerous structures, 21 Moidams belonging to Ahom princesses are located within the buffer area and require specialised preservation and integration into the tourism circuit.
“The success of this mission depends on our collective commitment. It is the responsibility of every citizen to preserve this heritage for future generations. We aim to position Charaideo Moidam as both a world-class tourist destination and a living laboratory for archaeological and historical research, ensuring that these ancient monuments continue to inspire and educate future generations, while contributing to the state’s economic development,” the CM said.
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