Traditional Knowledge System of the Maidams of Charaideo

Abstract

Maidam is a tomb associated with traditional knowledge of the Tai-Ahom community to bury their ancestors with a belief system of life-after-death. Maidams of Charaideo are sacred mausoleums associated with Ahom royals and nobles bearing significance to the cultural heritage of Assam. The process of Maidam intricately involves several processes of preservation of the deceased, rituals, building of the tomb and conservation. However, a significant portion of this traditional knowledge is lost due to influence of Vedic heritage, conversion to Vaishnavism sect, desecration by invaders, and disappearance of Tai literature among the Ahom community. Maidam were a sacrosanct 600 year-old living heritage of Ahom hegemony. But, its statute was dissolved during the British administration and its significance eroded to mere hemispherical mound structure in the last century. This paper brings the traditional knowledge of burial practice of Ahom reign with the touristic-consumerism approach. Using systematic review, textual analysis and site visit, the paper presents a baseline research for proposing a conservation policy of Maidam heritage. Taking cues of tourism attractions of Great Royal Cemetery of Charaideo, this research frames a hypothesis on developing a self-sustainable business model.