Land Mafia Demolishes 300-Year-Old Ahom Dynasty Burial Mound in Assam's Sivasagar
In a shocking act of cultural vandalism that has sent waves of outrage through Assam, land mafias have ruthlessly demolished nearly 90% of a 300-year-old Maidam—a sacred pyramid-shaped burial mound belonging to the illustrious Ahom dynasty. This brazen destruction occurred in Mohan Gaon, located under the historic Maduri Gohain area of Nazira in Sivasagar district, marking a severe blow to the region's rich historical heritage.
Discovery of the Destruction and Immediate Response
The devastating act came to light on Wednesday when alert locals notified the All Tai Ahom Students’ Union (Atasu). Members of the union rushed to the site, only to be horrified by the sight of the once-towering Maidam, a magnificent testament to Ahom architectural grandeur, reduced to mere rubble. Heavy excavators, allegedly wielded by land supply contractors, had flattened the sacred mound, leaving behind only excavator tracks and disturbed earth where history once stood proudly.
In response, Atasu leaders Shyamal Boruah and Lolit Chetia promptly filed a formal complaint at the Nazira Model Police Station. They named prime suspect Biswarup Handique, a local land contractor, and demanded his immediate arrest along with strict legal action to prevent any further desecration of cultural sites.
Historical Significance of the Demolished Maidam
The destroyed Maidam held profound historical importance, as it belonged to the lineage of Laithepena Borgohain, a prominent 17th-century minister and nobleman of the Ahom dynasty. He is notably remembered as the father of Sati Joymoti, Assam's legendary princess whose tale of sacrifice is deeply embedded in the state's folklore.
During the mid-17th century, under the reign of King Sulikpha, also known as Lora Raja, Joymoti Konwari—immortalized as Sati Joymoti—endured 14 days of brutal torture at Jerenga Pathar in present-day Sivasagar. Soldiers pressured her to reveal the hiding place of her husband, Prince Gadapani, who was exiled in the Naga Hills during the king's purge of young royals. Displaying unwavering courage, Joymoti refused to betray her husband, ultimately sacrificing her life. Her heroic death paved the way for Gadapani to return, ascend the throne as Gadadhar Singha from 1681 to 1696, and stabilize the Ahom kingdom.
Outcry and Calls for Government Intervention
Shyamal Boruah, the president of Atasu’s Nazira unit, expressed deep anguish over the incident, emphasizing that this was not merely an attack on a historical structure but a direct assault on Assam's cultural heritage and the memory of revered icons like Sati Joymoti. "Almost 90% of the Maidam is gone. This systematic destruction must be investigated as a deliberate cultural crime," he stated, urgently calling for the state government to intervene and ensure justice.
The demolition has sparked widespread condemnation, with heritage enthusiasts and local communities demanding robust measures to protect remaining historical sites from similar threats. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges in preserving India's ancient monuments against encroaching development and illegal activities.
