Unveiling Assam's Hidden Manuscripts: A Journey into History
Exploring Rare Manuscripts in Karbi Anglong
The Nothengpi Karbi Heritage Museum, home to the copper manuscript comprising three folios, a ring and an elephant emblem. (Photo:@Amarsingejangpo/X)
Diphu (Assam), June 14: A collection of ancient manuscripts located in Assam's Karbi Anglong district holds the potential to reveal significant insights into the region's medieval history, culture, and indigenous knowledge once they are thoroughly examined.
These delicate manuscripts, preserved in two local museums, have withstood the test of time but remain largely unread, drawing the attention of historians and linguists eager to decipher the inscriptions found on palm leaves and copper plates.
Among these artifacts are two Tai manuscripts, consisting of 67 and 158 palm-leaf folios, which are stored at the District Museum in Diphu, the administrative center of Karbi Anglong. Unlike typical manuscripts, these texts are engraved rather than inked.
Karbi Anglong Deputy Commissioner Aranyak Saikia remarked, "The District Museum is a repository of rich cultural and archaeological heritage, housing manuscripts from the Middle Ages that are yet to be fully decoded."
The district administration is contemplating reaching out to the Institute of Tai Studies and Research (ITSAR) for assistance in decoding these rare Tai manuscripts. Additionally, they are exploring the possibility of including these manuscripts in the Centre's 'Gyan Bharatam' initiative.
Officials believe that the Tai manuscripts may provide valuable insights into the Ahom dynasty, which governed Assam for nearly 600 years from 1228 to 1826.
Kaustuv Saikia, the District Museum Officer, stated, "We have extended an open invitation for anyone interested in studying these Tai manuscripts, but the response has been less than encouraging. We are now considering inviting ITSAR to conduct the research."
Another notable artifact, a copper manuscript featuring three folios, a ring, and an elephant symbol, is displayed at the Nothengpi Karbi Heritage Museum. While the language used is Sanskrit, the script is in Assamese.
Regarding the copper manuscript, Saikia noted that previous attempts to decipher it were made, but they lacked a professional or systematic approach.
"Our goal is to properly understand and read these manuscripts to gain insights into our historical heritage. We are actively seeking researchers to assist in decoding them," he added.
Kaustuv Saikia mentioned that the copper plate manuscript is believed to date back to the 9th century and was discovered in 2020.
"The rare copper plate was unearthed in Ok-Kereng Nihang Engti village and was formally handed over to the Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council. It is now showcased at the Nothengpi Karbi Heritage Museum," he explained.
In parallel, the administration is working to include the manuscripts in the Gyan Bharatam scheme to facilitate their survey, conservation, and digitization.
This initiative aims to protect and revitalize India's manuscript heritage through systematic documentation, scientific conservation, digitization, and publication, while establishing a National Digital Repository for research, education, and public engagement.
To foster greater interest among youth, the administration is also planning exposure visits and summer camps at the museum for students from schools and colleges.
On the conservation front, Kaustuv Saikia indicated that a scientific condition assessment of the two Tai manuscripts is planned.
"We propose that a scientific condition assessment of the manuscripts be conducted by the Conservator of the Assam State Museum," he stated.