Maidam

Excavation

In 2000–02, the Archaeological Survey of India, Guwahati circle excavated Maidam No. 2. It retained the characteristics of a full-fledged Maidam. The Maidam vault and covering earthen mound were made out of burned bricks and encircled by an octagonal boundary wall. There was a hole in the roof of the Maidam, indicating it was robbed earlier. The arched-shaped door of the maidam was found on the western side after it was excavated, which was originally covered with bricks and stone masonry. Though already robbed, it still yielded several artefacts, including skeleton remains of 5 individuals, ivory decorative pieces, several pieces of wooden objects (including a Xorai designed in the shape of a pillar), an ivory panel depicting royal Ahom insignia, carvings of elephants, peacock and floral motifs, etc. The exact dating of this Maidam couldn't be done, but it is estimated at the first half of the 18th century.