GUWAHATI, Oct 13 � As the State is pinning hope for inclusion of the Charaideo Maidams in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, educationist Dr Sikhamoni Knowar has come up with a book on Charaideo that was released at the Guwahati Press Club on Friday last.
Charaideo �A Cultural Heritage Site of Assam covers an important period in the history of Assam from 1228 till the treaty of Yandaboo in 1826. Primarily focussing on the political, socio-cultural and religious history of the people during that period, it traces the coming of Chao-lung Siu-ka-pha to the Brahmaputra Valley.
First capital of the Ahom capital, Charaideo is popular for its group of maidams, unique burial tombs, which has been included in the tentative UNESCO World Heritage list.
Sharing her experience, Dr Konwar said that Charaideo holds a unique position in the history of India due to the maidams. �Though the historical remains of Charaideo were in a state of neglect, some preservation work by the government and the Archaeological Survey of India, and inclusion of the site in tentative UNESCO list could be termed as very positive developments,� she said.
After releasing the book, educationist Professor JN Phukan said that the well-researched book was a valuable contribution to the history of Assam. �Charaideo has a great historical significance for the people of Assam and the recent developments have made people hopeful about a worldwide recognition to this heritage site. The people living in nearby areas and other conscious segments of people have a responsibility to ensure that the heritage structures are not destroyed due to modern infrastructures,� he added.
Dr HP Saikia, chairperson of the ATDC also lauded the efforts of Dr Konwar in bringing to light some new facts about Charaideo. �Dealing with various aspects of Ahom era, the book gives a complete picture of Charaideo, its history, culture, heritage and more. It is a timely published book as the people now want to know more about Charaideo,� she added.
Among others, Justice PC Phukan, former judge of Gauhati High Court, Dr BK Gohain, retired bureaucrat, Dr IS Mumtaza Khatun, Associate Professor, Department of History, Gauhati University were also present on the occasion.
