Doomdooma: Raijor Dal chief and MLA Akhil Gogoi has urged authorities to use advanced scientific techniques, including DNA analysis, to examine human remains recovered from the historic Charaideo Maidams and establish their identities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Gogoi said the skeletal remains housed at the museum of the Archaeological Directorate in Charaideo could provide valuable insights into the Ahom royal dynasty and the people buried at the ancient burial complex.
He called for deeper scientific research into the remains associated with the Ahom Swargadeos, who ruled Assam for nearly six centuries.
Among the remains recovered from Maidam No. 2, traditionally identified as the burial site of Swargadeo Rudra Singha, are one male skull and three female skulls. Gogoi noted that archaeological estimates place the age of the male individual at around 40 years, prompting questions over whether the remains could belong to Rudra Singha.
Gogoi said DNA testing could help researchers determine the identities and relationships of individuals whose remains were recovered from the maidams, while also contributing to a clearer understanding of their chronology.
“Shouldn’t the DNA of the Swargadeos and others be tested?” he asked, advocating the use of modern technology to investigate the remains without causing damage to the historic structures.
He also highlighted discoveries from Maidam No. 78, where archaeologists recovered skeletal material including bones from the hands and feet as well as teeth.
The three female skulls found at Maidam No. 2 have reportedly been assessed as belonging to individuals aged between 16 and 25 years. Gogoi referred to historical traditions suggesting that attendants may have been buried alongside members of the Ahom royalty, but stressed the need for scientific evidence to establish the circumstances surrounding the remains.
The legislator called for a comprehensive research programme covering the Charaideo complex, with non-invasive and advanced scientific methods used wherever possible.
Gogoi said greater research could help resolve longstanding questions surrounding the ancient burial ground and shed further light on the history of the Ahom dynasty.
“Charaideo’s museum makes me inquisitive every time I visit it. We need more research,” he said.