Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his 112th Mann Ki Baat radio address on Sunday to highlight Charaideo Moidam, a 700-year-old mound-burial system of Assam’s Ahom dynasty, recently recognized as India’s 43rd UNESCO World Heritage site.
Charaideo Moidam – The Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty has been announced for inclusion under the category of Cultural Property at the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting that is being held in New Delhi from July 21 to 31, 2024.
In his Mann Ki Baat address, PM Modi said, “Charaideo Moidam of Assam is being included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This will be the 43rd site in India but the first site in the north east. Charaideo means ‘a shining city on the hills’. This was the first capital of the Ahom Dynasty. People of the Ahom Dynasty traditionally kept the bodies of their ancestors and their valuables in Moidam.”
Moidam is a hillok-like structure which is covered with soil on top and has one or more rooms below. This is a symbol of respect for the late kings and dignitaries of the Ahom empire, the Prime Minister mentioned.
“Community worship was also performed at this place. Starting from the 13th century, this empire lasted till the beginning of the 19th century. It is a big acheivement for an empire to continue for such a long period. Perhaps the principles and beliefs of the Ahom empire were so strong that it kept this dynasty alive for so long,” he said.
Recalling the statue unveiling earlier this year at Charaideo Moidam, PM Modi said, “I had the privilege of unveiling the tallest structure on March 9 this year of the great Ahom warrior Lachit Borphukan, a symbol of courage and bravery in Assam. You too should definitely include this site in your travel plans in the future.”
The broadcast touched on other topics, including India’s top-five finish in the recent International Mathematics Olympiad. PM Modi praised the participants and urged young math enthusiasts to draw inspiration from their success.
Launched on October 3, 2014, Mann Ki Baat aims to connect with various segments of Indian society, encompassing women, the elderly, and the youth.
It is in 22 Indian languages, 29 dialects, and 11 foreign languages including French, Chinese, Indonesian, Tibetan, Burmese, Baluchi, Arabic, Pashtu, Persian, Dari, and Swahili. Mann Ki Baat is broadcast by more than 500 centres of All India Radio.
(Inputs from ANI)