Q. What are 'Moidams', recently seen in news?
Answer:
Mound-burial sites
Notes: The Ahom era Moidams in Assam's Charaideo district, resting places of royal families, have been recommended for UNESCO World Heritage List inclusion by ICOMOS. These mound-burial sites, dating from the 13th to 19th century Ahom dynasty, are likened to ancient Chinese royal tombs and Egyptian pyramids. Charaideo was the dynasty's first capital, founded in 1253. Despite adopting Hindu cremation later, Ahom rulers entombed remains in Moidams. These sites, spread across Southeast Asia, symbolize Tai-Ahom cultural influence.