Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday exhorted tourists to include Charaideo Maidam in Upper Assam as a must-see site.

In his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, Modi made the appeal while dwelling on the inclusion of Charaideo Maidam, the mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty, on the Unesco World Heritage list during the ongoing 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi.

“Charaideo Maidam becoming a World Heritage Site now will mean that more tourists will visit the place. You must include this site in your future travel plans,” he said in his radio programme.

An official told The Telegraph that on an average 400 people visit the site everyday but the numbers see a significant surge in the winters, crossing the 3,000-mark. Last year, 80,000 people visited the site. A mega publicity blitz is said to be in the pipeline to promote the site, the official said.

Spread over an area of 95.02 hectares, the Charaideo Maidam in Charaideo district has 90 maidams. The site is well-maintained to preserve its structural integrity and cultural uniqueness, an official said.

The moidams or maidams are the 43rd property from India to be included in the world heritage list and third from Assam. The Kaziranga National Park and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary made it to the coveted list under the Natural category in 1985 while the maidam is the first under the cultural category.

Modi started by saying the topic he wants to share will make every Indian feel proud. “But before telling you about it, I would like to ask you a question. Have you heard the name Charaideo Maidam? If not, you will now hear this name again and again, and will tell others with great enthusiasm...,” Modi said.

He then described what exactly is Charaideo Moidam and why it is so special. “Charaideo means a shining city on the hills. This was the first capital of the Ahom dynasty. The people of the Ahom dynasty traditionally kept the mortal remains of their ancestors and their valuables in the maidam. A maidam is a mound-like structure, covered with soil on top, and has one or more rooms underneath. This maidam is a symbol of reverence for the departed kings and dignitaries of the Ahom Empire. This way of showing respect to one’s ancestors is very unique. Community worshipping was also performed at this place,”

Recalling the long reign of the Ahom dynasty between the 13th century and 19th century, Modi referred to unveiling the tallest statue of the great Ahom warrior Lasit Borphukan, a symbol of indomitable courage and bravery, March 19 this year. The Ahoms are politically an influential lot.

Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Debabrata Saikia said on Saturday evening the maidams making it to the Unesco list is indeed a significant milestone for Assam and a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the Ahom dynasty. He also recalled the efforts of successive governments towards achieving the feat.

“While we celebrate this significant milestone, it is important to recognize that this success is the result of continuous is the result of continuous efforts and dedication spanning multiple administrations, from Tarun Gogoi’s visionary initiation to Sarbananda Sonowal’s revival efforts and the current momentum under Himanta Biswa Sarma.”