Did you know that there are Pyramids right here in India?
Behold the architectural marvel of Assam – the Moidams of Charaideo! These were unique burial mounds of the Tai-Ahoms who ruled Assam for nearly 600 years from 1228 to 1826.
Nestled at the foothills of the Patkai range, Charaideo served as the inaugural capital and held immense reverence for the Tai Ahoms. Regarding their kings as divine beings, the Tai Ahoms chose to inter the departed royals here in the sanctified heart of their kingdom.
This funerary practice endured for over six centuries, resulting in an undulating landscape reminiscent of heavenly mountains, embodying the Tai Ahom beliefs surrounding life, death, spirits, and the afterlife.
Within Charaideo, the Moidams stand as a distinctive feature, representing the largest concentration of vaulted-mound burial chambers in one location. These burial chambers, hidden beneath earthen mounds, were constructed using traditional concrete made from a blend of rice, duck eggs, and Borali fish.
The royals, along with their possessions, including servants, were laid to rest within. However, the burial of servants was eventually discontinued. Swargadeo (Ahom king) Rudrasingha, also known as Sukhrungpha, who reigned from 1696 to 1714, prohibited this practice.
Nevertheless, the tradition of interring valuables with the deceased persisted. Over time, the Moidams faced devastation during the invasion of Mughal Subedar Mir Jumla, as well as the Burmese and British occupations of Assam.