Ahom heritage receives significant recognition from UNESCO

• The historic Rangpur-Sivasagar complex in Assam has been included in UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites.

• India's Permanent Mission submitted the nomination dossier for this site to UNESCO on June 19, 2026. The nomination is based on cultural criteria (iii) and (iv).

• The Rangpur-Sivasagar complex reflects the rich capital-city tradition of the Ahom dynasty and the ancient urban heritage of the Brahmaputra Valley.

• Ahom rulers governed the Brahmaputra Valley from 1228 to 1826 and established Sivasagar as the primary hub for their political and ceremonial activities.

• This historic complex is not limited merely to royal palaces and monuments; it offers a glimpse into the entire capital-city system of that era.

• Features such as water management systems, military architecture, religious and ceremonial structures, and various remnants of royal life showcase the advanced architectural and administrative capabilities of the Ahom period.

• Inclusion in UNESCO's Tentative List is considered a significant step towards gaining international recognition for the historical and cultural importance of Rangpur-Sivasagar.