Irland, Dublin: World Heritage Committee: The Charaideo Moidam royal burial complex and shrines in India have been officially recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the United Nations' cultural agency.

This announcement was made during UNESCO's 46th session in New Delhi, the capital of India, where experts are reviewing a list of nominated sites for the prestigious World Heritage designation.

In the northeastern Indian state of Assam, the Charaideo Moidams were built by the Ahom dynasty. These mounds served as burial sites for Ahom kings and queens, featuring a unique burial system with an earth cover over hollow vaults made from bricks, stone, or earth.

The site includes 90 moidams of varying sizes created over 600 years, along with ceremonial pathways and bodies of water, according to ICOMOS, the advisory body for the World Heritage Committee.

ICOMOS described the modems as a remarkable representation of Ahom funerary practices and beliefs, illustrating the rich traditions of the time.

The Ahom clan, which migrated from China, established their first capital in the Patkai hills of eastern India, naming it Charaideo, which translates to "a dazzling city above the mountain." Despite relocating their capital over the centuries, the burial site remained a sacred place for the royal deceased.

Experts highlight the architectural significance of these shrines, comparing them to the royal tombs of China and the pyramids of Egypt. The site is noted for having the highest concentration of vaulted mound burials and reflecting the sculpted landscape of the surrounding hills.

With this addition, India now boasts 43 World Heritage Sites.

Other sites designated recently include the Moravian Church Colonies in Germany, the US, and the UK; Umm Al-Jimal in Jordan; and the Badain Jaran Desert in China.

Additionally, the Monastery of Saint Hilarion in the Gaza Strip has been inscribed on both the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger, acknowledging its significance and the urgent need to protect it amidst ongoing conflict in the region.