The Role of UNESCO World Heritage Site Charaideo Moidam in Promoting Tourism Through Tai-Ahom’s Intangible Cultural Heritage

Charaideo Moidam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Assam, India, is an identity of the Tai-Ahom dynasty’s rich culture and heritage. The Moidam is a royal burial site of Ahom rulers known for its architectural magnificence. It also plays a significant role in preserving and promoting the Tai-Ahom community’s intangible cultural heritage. The present work analyzes the site from the perspective of preserving oral traditions, ancestral rituals, Indigenous knowledge systems, and the Tai-Ahom language. Based on archival research, it analyses the role of how the Charaideo Maidam connects the tangible elements of heritage like the burial mounds with the intangible aspects, including spiritual practices, and the burial custom of Tai-Ahom. Further, the study explores the potentiality of Charaideo Maidam as a center for Cultural Tourism, intending to increase awareness of Tai-Ahom culture worldwide while benefiting the local community. The challenges like inadequate documentation, risk of commercialization, and limited community involvement are addressed, alongside the recommendations for sustainable heritage management. This study focused on the Tai-Ahom identity’s connection with Charaideo Maidam, emphasizing its importance in cultural revival, education, and passing down knowledge to future generations, ensuring that the heritage of Tai-Ahom flourishes in the modern era.