UNESCO World Heritage sites' latest addition
The word Charaideo has been derived from three Tai Ahom words: Che-Rai-Doi. "Che” means city or town, “Rai” means “to shine,” and “Doi” means hill. In short, Charaideo translates to “a shining town situated on a hilltop.”
The Charaideo Maidams represent the late medieval (13th-19th century CE) mound burial tradition of the Tai Ahom community in Assam. These maidams reflects the unique burial practices of the Ahom dynasty, reflecting their cultural heritage and historical significance.
Unlike Hindus who cremate their dead, the predominant funerary method of the Ahoms was burial. Originating from the Tai people, the height of a moidam typically indicated the power and stature of the person buried inside.
Inside the chambers of the moidam, the dead king would be buried along with items needed for the “afterlife.” This included servants, horses, livestock, and even their wives, similar to the ancient Egyptian burial practices, earning the moniker “Pyramids of Assam.”
After the 18th century, the Ahom rulers adopted the Hindu method of cremation. They began entombing the cremated bones and ashes in maidams at Charaideo, marking a significant shift in their funerary practices.
Out of 386 maidams or moidams explored so far, 90 royal burials at Charaideo are the best preserved. These maidams are the most representative and complete examples of the Ahom burial tradition, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Assam.
Explore nearby attractions such as Talatal Ghar in Sivasagar, Kareng Palace, Rang Ghar, Sivasagar Lake, Ahom Museum, and Shiva Dol.
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