The Moidams of Assam has received the prestigious 43rd UNESCO World Heritage Site tag in the cultural category. Nearly seven hundred years old, Moidams are hollow vaults of brick, stone and contain the remains of kings and royals. The inclusion of Moidams was decided unanimously by the World Heritage Committee meeting held in New Delhi. Moidams is the 1st cultural site (from cultural heritage category) and the 3rd overall site from the North East to be inscribed on the World Heritage list. The two others are Kajiranga and Manas which were inscribed under the Natural Heritage category.

 

Announcing its inclusion, Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that this is a great achievement for the North-East and Assam. He said, this is a testimony to New India’s relentless pursuit of highlighting Bharat’s heritage on the world forum. The Minister highlighted that this esteemed status will go a long way for conservation and tourism around the site. Mr Shekhawat also noted that India has six more proposals pending at the World Heritage Committee meeting and 57 overall with UNESCO.