Context

• 'Tel Umm Amer' and 'Charaideo Moidams ' of Assam have been included in the 'List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Danger' and the 'World Heritage List' of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) by the World Heritage Committee.
• Tel Umm Amer (Ancient Christian Monastery/St. Hilarion Complex)
• The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has caused extensive damage to cultural sites including Tel Umm Amer.

Location: Gaza Strip (a narrow piece of land between Israel and Egypt)

• Historical background: It was founded by Hilarion the Great (291-371 AD).
• Significance: It is believed to be one of the Middle East's oldest and largest monastic communities. It has been the centre of religious, cultural and economic activities from its founding to the Umayyad period (661-750 AD).
• The UNESCO committee granted the site ‘provisional enhanced protection’ (established by the Hague Convention, 1954).

Charaideo Moidams of Assam (India’s 43rd World Heritage Site)

• Historical importance: These are the tombs of the Ahom dynasty.
• Founded: In 1253 AD, it was founded by 'King Sukapha'.
• Nickname: 'Pyramids of Assam'  

 Ahom Kingdom:

• Founder: Chaolung Sukapha
• The Ahom state used to rely on forced labour.
• The labourers were called Paiks.
• Local Administration: Ahom society was divided into clans or khels which controlled several villages.

Other related facts:

• Lachit Borphukan: The most valiant general of the Ahom empire
• 'Battle of Saraighat', 1671: Ahom forces led by Borphukan defeated the Mughal army.
• Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal: It is awarded to the best cadet of the National Defence Academy.
• 125-foot bronze statue of Borphukan: Jorhat (Assam)