International Seminar onInternational Seminar on

Colonial note from the Colonial note from the continuity of Culture :continuity of Culture :

Emerging Study of Emerging Study of ManuscriptologyManuscriptology

organized by :organized by :

Department of BengaliDepartment of Bengali

Assam UniversityAssam UniversitySilcharSilchar

11stst March, 2012 to 3 March, 2012 to 3rdrd March, 2012 March, 2012

Manuscripts Preserved in Manuscripts Preserved in B.C.Gupta Memorial B.C.Gupta Memorial

Central Library at Silchar Central Library at Silchar in Barak Valley : A Surveyin Barak Valley : A Survey

Presented by :Presented by :

Jayanti ChakravortyJayanti ChakravortyLibrary and Information AssistantLibrary and Information Assistant

Central Library, National Institute of TechnologyCentral Library, National Institute of Technology

SilcharSilchar

Definition of ManuscriptDefinition of Manuscript

The word ‘Manuscript’ is a derivative from the Latin The word ‘Manuscript’ is a derivative from the Latin Phrase, Phrase, manu scriptummanu scriptum, which means ‘written by hand’., which means ‘written by hand’.

The Antiquities Art Treasures Act, 1972 defines manuscript as a The Antiquities Art Treasures Act, 1972 defines manuscript as a Record of scientific, historical, literary or aesthetic value and which Record of scientific, historical, literary or aesthetic value and which has been in existence for not less than 75 years. has been in existence for not less than 75 years.

So a manuscript can be defined as,So a manuscript can be defined as,

• a hand written document a hand written document • which has scientific, historical, literary or aesthetic value andwhich has scientific, historical, literary or aesthetic value and• which is at least 75years old.which is at least 75years old.

Manuscripts treasure of IndiaManuscripts treasure of India::

The glorious past of the great Indian culture lies in her The glorious past of the great Indian culture lies in her ancient manuscripts.ancient manuscripts.

India possesses an estimate of five million manuscripts, India possesses an estimate of five million manuscripts, probably the largest collection in the world.probably the largest collection in the world.

Since ancient times, the Indians produced high class Since ancient times, the Indians produced high class painting, sculpture, architecture, music and poetry. They painting, sculpture, architecture, music and poetry. They wrote learned treaties on various subjects, such as wrote learned treaties on various subjects, such as Grammar, Philology, Logic, Philosophy, Politics, Grammar, Philology, Logic, Philosophy, Politics, Astronomy, Medicine and Surgery, Physics and Astronomy, Medicine and Surgery, Physics and Chemistry. They left behind sure proof of their amazing Chemistry. They left behind sure proof of their amazing skill in Engineering, Irrigation, Ship-building and in skill in Engineering, Irrigation, Ship-building and in many other arts and crafts. many other arts and crafts.

It is estimated that out of 5 million Indain It is estimated that out of 5 million Indain manuscripts, 60 thousand manuscripts are lyingmanuscripts, 60 thousand manuscripts are lyingin European Countries and 150 thousand inin European Countries and 150 thousand inAsian and South Asian countries. Asian and South Asian countries.

A total of 1 million, out of the 5 million A total of 1 million, out of the 5 million manuscripts have been recorded in cataloguesmanuscripts have been recorded in cataloguestill now. till now.

Language-wise percentage of manuscripts Language-wise percentage of manuscripts being, Sanskrit - 67%, being, Sanskrit - 67%, Other Indian Languages 25% andOther Indian Languages 25% and Arabic, Persian and Tibetan 8% Arabic, Persian and Tibetan 8%

National Mission for Manuscripts National Mission for Manuscripts

The Mission set up in 2003, by the Government of India,The Mission set up in 2003, by the Government of India,endeavours to un-earth and preserve the vast manuscriptendeavours to un-earth and preserve the vast manuscriptwealth of the country lying scattered in various institutionswealth of the country lying scattered in various institutionsand private collections. and private collections.

The Mission alongwith Indira Gandhi National Centre for The Mission alongwith Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts is working with specially identifiedthe Arts is working with specially identifiedManuscript Resource Centres – MRCs and Manuscript Resource Centres – MRCs and Manuscript Conservation Centres - MCCs Manuscript Conservation Centres - MCCs all over the country with the objective of locating,all over the country with the objective of locating,documenting, conserving and disseminating the knowledgedocumenting, conserving and disseminating the knowledgecontent of India’s manuscripts. B.C. Gupta Memorialcontent of India’s manuscripts. B.C. Gupta MemorialCentral Library, Silchar is such a centre for ManuscriptCentral Library, Silchar is such a centre for ManuscriptResource and Conservation in the Barak Valley. Resource and Conservation in the Barak Valley.

Barak Valley : A brief introductionBarak Valley : A brief introduction

Physio-graphically, historically and socio-culturally, the valleyPhysio-graphically, historically and socio-culturally, the valleyis an extension of undivided Bengal of pre-independent India,is an extension of undivided Bengal of pre-independent India,known as Surma Valley, comprising of the Districts of Sylhet andknown as Surma Valley, comprising of the Districts of Sylhet andCachar in the Assam Province of British India. Cachar in the Assam Province of British India.

With hill tracks on three sides and plain land opening only in theWith hill tracks on three sides and plain land opening only in thewest the valley demarcates the natural border between thewest the valley demarcates the natural border between theriverine Bengal and the hilly Northeast – a factor having a majorriverine Bengal and the hilly Northeast – a factor having a majorhistorical significance on the growth of the valley’s socio-culturalhistorical significance on the growth of the valley’s socio-culturaland educational fabric. In Epical period of Indian history, whenand educational fabric. In Epical period of Indian history, whenAryan Civilization marched into Greater Bengal from the NorthAryan Civilization marched into Greater Bengal from the NorthWestern India and a cultural synthesis took place to develop aWestern India and a cultural synthesis took place to develop agreat Bengali culture, the same trend, in its east-ward march,great Bengali culture, the same trend, in its east-ward march,advanced towards the Ganga-Padma Basin and to its extension,advanced towards the Ganga-Padma Basin and to its extension,to Surma-Barak Valley. Thus this Valley, surrounded by mightyto Surma-Barak Valley. Thus this Valley, surrounded by mightyhills, remained for a long period, the last outpost of the Aryanhills, remained for a long period, the last outpost of the AryanCivilization in the east. Civilization in the east.

Manuscript Preservation in Barak ValleyManuscript Preservation in Barak Valley

The history of Manuscript preservation in institutional The history of Manuscript preservation in institutional levellevel

in Barak Valley dates back to 1910 when a Manuscriptin Barak Valley dates back to 1910 when a ManuscriptPreservation Centre was opened in the Normal School atPreservation Centre was opened in the Normal School atSilchar at the initiative of the then School Inspector LateSilchar at the initiative of the then School Inspector LateAghornath Adhikari with active assistance from otherAghornath Adhikari with active assistance from otherre-knowned teachres of the school and scholars like Latere-knowned teachres of the school and scholars like LateRamesh Chandra Bhattacharjee, Late Abdul Bari, LateRamesh Chandra Bhattacharjee, Late Abdul Bari, LateTarini Charan Das, Late Jagannath Deb and others. TheTarini Charan Das, Late Jagannath Deb and others. TheCentre functioned actively for two decades approximatelyCentre functioned actively for two decades approximatelyand had a preservation of nearly 200 manuscripts, writtenand had a preservation of nearly 200 manuscripts, writtenmostly in Sansakrit and Bengali and a few in Persian. mostly in Sansakrit and Bengali and a few in Persian.

B.C.Gupta Memorial Library,G.C.College, SilcharB.C.Gupta Memorial Library,G.C.College, Silchar

Established in 1935, this library is the oldestEstablished in 1935, this library is the oldestacademic library of this region. It has been servingacademic library of this region. It has been servingthe higher education students, teachers, researchthe higher education students, teachers, researchscholars and people from other walks of life sincescholars and people from other walks of life sincelong past, much before the Public Library systemlong past, much before the Public Library systemor any sort of library service was set up in thisor any sort of library service was set up in thisremote part of the country. This Library has aremote part of the country. This Library has aholding of nearly 40,000 Print Vol. and 50,000 E-holding of nearly 40,000 Print Vol. and 50,000 E-books. The Library introduced Open Accessbooks. The Library introduced Open AccessSystem in 2003, E-Library facilities in 2005, &System in 2003, E-Library facilities in 2005, &Digitization initiative in 2010. Digitization initiative in 2010.

The Manuscript Resource and Conservation Centre of The Manuscript Resource and Conservation Centre of the Library is assigned to operate in 12 Districts of the Library is assigned to operate in 12 Districts of Assam, 3 of them in Barak Valley and 9 in Brahmaputra Assam, 3 of them in Barak Valley and 9 in Brahmaputra Valley. The Centre, operating since 2005 runs various Valley. The Centre, operating since 2005 runs various programmes in survey, documentation and outreach programmes in survey, documentation and outreach events. It has surveyed and documented approximately events. It has surveyed and documented approximately 10,000 manuscripts in Jorhat, Sivsagar, Golaghat and 10,000 manuscripts in Jorhat, Sivsagar, Golaghat and North Lakhimpur districts and provided preventive North Lakhimpur districts and provided preventive conservation treatment to approx. 3000 rare Vaishnavait conservation treatment to approx. 3000 rare Vaishnavait manuscripts at Majuli island. The centre has surveyed manuscripts at Majuli island. The centre has surveyed and documented approx. 2700 manuscripts in Barak and documented approx. 2700 manuscripts in Barak Valley. Conservation activities of the Centre started in Valley. Conservation activities of the Centre started in December, 2010 and so far, 91 rare manuscripts have December, 2010 and so far, 91 rare manuscripts have been preserved and accessed. been preserved and accessed.

SURVEY OF THE PRESERVED MANUSCRIPTS SURVEY OF THE PRESERVED MANUSCRIPTS

Labeling : Labeling : The core of the Library’s Manuscript collection comes from theThe core of the Library’s Manuscript collection comes from thedonation of 9 individuals and 1 family. All the Donors are inhabitants ofdonation of 9 individuals and 1 family. All the Donors are inhabitants ofBarak Valley or descendents of scholars hailing from the Surma Valley inBarak Valley or descendents of scholars hailing from the Surma Valley inEast Bengal. These gifts are reflected on the labels of the manuscripts asEast Bengal. These gifts are reflected on the labels of the manuscripts aswell as in the Accession Register. The Donors and number of Manuscriptswell as in the Accession Register. The Donors and number of Manuscriptsdonated are reflected hereunder : donated are reflected hereunder :

Shri Amitabha ChakrabortyShri Amitabha Chakraborty 3535 Dr. Bidyut Kumar Bhattacharjee Dr. Bidyut Kumar Bhattacharjee 1616 Shri Shib Sadhan Bhattacharjee Shri Shib Sadhan Bhattacharjee 1515 Shri Mrinmoy Chakraborty Shri Mrinmoy Chakraborty 4 4 Shri Rajarshi Chakraborty Shri Rajarshi Chakraborty 3 3 Dr. Usha Ranjan Bhattacharjee Dr. Usha Ranjan Bhattacharjee 2 2 Shri Shankar Chakraborty Shri Shankar Chakraborty 2 2 Shri Umananda Bhattacharjee Shri Umananda Bhattacharjee 2 2 Late Kali Prasanna Bhattacharjee Late Kali Prasanna Bhattacharjee 1 1 Family of Late Mukunda Das BhattacharjeeFamily of Late Mukunda Das Bhattacharjee 1111

Types & Contents of the ManuscriptsTypes & Contents of the Manuscripts

The manuscript collection of the Library reflects a broad outline of The manuscript collection of the Library reflects a broad outline of the kind of books people of this area wrote, compiled or editedthe kind of books people of this area wrote, compiled or editedduring the early eighteenth to the late nineteenth century. Theduring the early eighteenth to the late nineteenth century. Themanuscripts include Books on manuscripts include Books on Vedas, Puranas, Smriti, Darshan,Vedas, Puranas, Smriti, Darshan,Mantra, Tantra, Jyotish, AyurvedaMantra, Tantra, Jyotish, Ayurveda, Literature and Sanskrit Grammar., Literature and Sanskrit Grammar.

No books on Science, History, Geography, Sociology, Fine-arts andNo books on Science, History, Geography, Sociology, Fine-arts andsuch other subjects have yet been procured. However, the centre hassuch other subjects have yet been procured. However, the centre hasjust started its activities and with the present accession of 91just started its activities and with the present accession of 91manuscripts in total, no conclusive assertion can be made. manuscripts in total, no conclusive assertion can be made. The quality of the manuscripts are fairly good. The style, the hand-The quality of the manuscripts are fairly good. The style, the hand-writing and the layout of the pages bear the testimony of sinceritywriting and the layout of the pages bear the testimony of sincerityand devotion of the authors or the scribes. and devotion of the authors or the scribes.

Subject-wise Classification of Manuscripts is as under : Subject-wise Classification of Manuscripts is as under :

VVedaeda 11 PuranaPurana 1111 Smriti Shastra Smriti Shastra 3535 Darshana - Nyaya ShastraDarshana - Nyaya Shastra 11 Dharshana – Shrimad Bhagawad Gita Dharshana – Shrimad Bhagawad Gita 33 Mantra Mantra 6 6 TantraTantra 4 4 Jyotish Jyotish 3 3 Ayurveda Ayurveda 5 5 LiteratureLiterature 8 8 Sanskrit GrammarSanskrit Grammar 12 12 Assorted manuscript of Assorted manuscript of Smriti, Jyotish, Ayurveda Smriti, Jyotish, Ayurveda 11 Un-classified Un-classified 1 1 TotalTotal 9191

The only manuscript on The only manuscript on VedaVeda relates to relates to Karma Karma

KandaKanda of of Shukla-YajurShukla-Yajur Veda. Veda.

All the 11 manuscripts on All the 11 manuscripts on PuranasPuranas are from the are from the

Markeyanda PuranaMarkeyanda Purana, 9 of them are on , 9 of them are on ChandiChandi, 1, 1

on on Ruchi StavaRuchi Stava and 1 being a and 1 being a Chandi ShapoddharChandi Shapoddhar

VidhiVidhi. It indicates that there was a prominent. It indicates that there was a prominent

ShaktiShakti cult of worship-form prevalent in this area. cult of worship-form prevalent in this area.

The majority of the manuscripts accessed are on The majority of the manuscripts accessed are on Smriti ShastraSmriti Shastra, a total of 35 of them. Though , a total of 35 of them. Though the term the term Smriti Smriti in a broader sense covers all in a broader sense covers all Hindu Hindu ShastrasShastras except the Vedas, here the term except the Vedas, here the term refers to the compiled codes or manuals of refers to the compiled codes or manuals of Hindu life. Out of the 35 manuscripts on Hindu life. Out of the 35 manuscripts on Smriti Smriti ShastraShastra, 17 are on , 17 are on Puja VidhiPuja Vidhi, 7 on , 7 on Shhradhha Shhradhha VidhiVidhi, 4 on , 4 on Brata VidhiBrata Vidhi, 2 on , 2 on Dana VidhiDana Vidhi, 2 on , 2 on Samskar VidhiSamskar Vidhi and 3 are of general category. and 3 are of general category.

BratasBratas are generally observed by the women are generally observed by the women and availability of manuscripts on and availability of manuscripts on Brata VidhiBrata Vidhi indicates that the women also took equal parts indicates that the women also took equal parts in performing socio-religious rites in this in performing socio-religious rites in this region. region.

One manuscript in the archive is on One manuscript in the archive is on Dol Yatra VidhiDol Yatra Vidhi by by

Raghunandan Bhattacharjee, edited by Madhusudan DevaRaghunandan Bhattacharjee, edited by Madhusudan Deva

Sharma. Raghunandan’s Smriti is of a much later ageSharma. Raghunandan’s Smriti is of a much later age

than Manu’s and it is applicable particularly to the Hinduthan Manu’s and it is applicable particularly to the Hindu

society of Bengal. From these findings it can be assertedsociety of Bengal. From these findings it can be asserted

that the Surma-Barak valley is, literarily and culturally, athat the Surma-Barak valley is, literarily and culturally, a

natural extension of Greater Bengal. natural extension of Greater Bengal.

There are 4 manuscripts on Darshan – 1 on NyayaThere are 4 manuscripts on Darshan – 1 on Nyaya

Darshan and the rest 3 are on Shri Shrimad BhagavadDarshan and the rest 3 are on Shri Shrimad Bhagavad

Gita, an appertain from the Mahabharata. Gita, an appertain from the Mahabharata.

There are in total 6 manuscripts on There are in total 6 manuscripts on MantrasMantras – –Gangastakam, Vatuk Stava, Chandika Shapoddhara,Gangastakam, Vatuk Stava, Chandika Shapoddhara,Mahimna StostramMahimna Stostram and 2 anthologies of various and 2 anthologies of various mantrasmantras..

The 4 manuscripts on The 4 manuscripts on Tantra Tantra are basically guidelines forare basically guidelines forcertain certain KabachKabach preparation – 1 manuscript is on preparation – 1 manuscript is onBhutadamani KabachBhutadamani Kabach, 1 on , 1 on Sarva Siddhi PradayakaSarva Siddhi PradayakaAbhisheka VidhiAbhisheka Vidhi and 2 anthologies of and 2 anthologies of KabachKabachpreparation.preparation.

There are in total 8 manuscripts on There are in total 8 manuscripts on Jyotish Jyotish and and AyurvedaAyurvedaand 1 manuscript on assorted subjects. The availability ofand 1 manuscript on assorted subjects. The availability ofthese manuscripts show that there were scholars in thesethese manuscripts show that there were scholars in thesesubjects in this area in ancient times. subjects in this area in ancient times.

There are as many as 20 manuscripts on There are as many as 20 manuscripts on linguistics – 12 on literature and 8 on Sanskrit linguistics – 12 on literature and 8 on Sanskrit Grammar, a testimony of the fact that the Grammar, a testimony of the fact that the academic atmosphere of the Barak-Surma academic atmosphere of the Barak-Surma valley was very rich since the earlier times. valley was very rich since the earlier times.

Out of the 12 manuscripts on Literature, 3 are Out of the 12 manuscripts on Literature, 3 are on Epics – the on Epics – the Ramayana Ramayana and the and the MahabharataMahabharata, 3 on Narrative Literature – the , 3 on Narrative Literature – the Mangal KavyasMangal Kavyas and and PachalisPachalis, 1 on , 1 on Niti ShlokaNiti Shloka and 1 on and 1 on KavyaKavya. .

Language & Script of the Manuscripts and the materialsLanguage & Script of the Manuscripts and the materialsused for writingused for writing

Out of 91 manuscripts, the language of 85 manuscripts is Out of 91 manuscripts, the language of 85 manuscripts is Sanskrit, 5 are written in Bengali and 1 in both of the languages.Sanskrit, 5 are written in Bengali and 1 in both of the languages.

Of the 85 manuscripts in Sanskrit, 84 are written in ArchaicOf the 85 manuscripts in Sanskrit, 84 are written in Archaic Bengali script and 1 in both Archaic and Modern BengaliBengali script and 1 in both Archaic and Modern Bengali script. Of the 5 manuscripts written in Bengali language, 3 arescript. Of the 5 manuscripts written in Bengali language, 3 are written in Archaic script, while 2 are in modern script. Thewritten in Archaic script, while 2 are in modern script. The script of 1 bi-lingual manuscript is Archaic Bengali.script of 1 bi-lingual manuscript is Archaic Bengali.

In middle ages, the materials used for writing manuscripts wereIn middle ages, the materials used for writing manuscripts weretree skins, tree leaves, paper and mainly parchments – madetree skins, tree leaves, paper and mainly parchments – madefrom the skins of animals. But in our survey not a singlefrom the skins of animals. But in our survey not a singlemanuscript was found on parchment – they are either on Treemanuscript was found on parchment – they are either on TreeSkin or Sachi Patra or on Paper. Skin or Sachi Patra or on Paper.

Time Period of the ManuscriptsTime Period of the Manuscripts

The year of writing the manuscripts could be The year of writing the manuscripts could be traced out only in case of 12 manuscripts; the traced out only in case of 12 manuscripts; the years range from 1720 AD to 1886 AD which years range from 1720 AD to 1886 AD which covers a long period of nearly two centuries. The covers a long period of nearly two centuries. The oldest manuscript, written in 1720 AD belongs to oldest manuscript, written in 1720 AD belongs to Karma KandaKarma Kanda of the of the Smriti ShastraSmriti Shastra – a – a Shhraddha VidhiShhraddha Vidhi written by Maniram Sharma. written by Maniram Sharma. This manuscript points out to the fact that the This manuscript points out to the fact that the wave of Aryanization came to this part of the wave of Aryanization came to this part of the country long back, at least in the late part of the country long back, at least in the late part of the seventeenth century or even earlier to that. seventeenth century or even earlier to that.

General Observation General Observation

Production of a manuscript required intricate andProduction of a manuscript required intricate andlaborious craftsmanship. Though the details of thelaborious craftsmanship. Though the details of theprocess varied in different regions, the materials andprocess varied in different regions, the materials andmethods were almost the same, sincerity and devotionmethods were almost the same, sincerity and devotionbeing the yardstick of perfection. being the yardstick of perfection.

Availability of as many as 20 manuscripts on literatureAvailability of as many as 20 manuscripts on literatureand grammar brings forth the fact that the academic andand grammar brings forth the fact that the academic andliterary pursuits of the area was of a very high order andliterary pursuits of the area was of a very high order andas pointed out earlier, this area was always been a part ofas pointed out earlier, this area was always been a part ofthe greater Bengal – socially, culturally and emotionally.the greater Bengal – socially, culturally and emotionally.

Conclusion Conclusion The manuscripts in possession of the G.C.College-The manuscripts in possession of the G.C.College-M.C.C are unique in their contents and value. TheyM.C.C are unique in their contents and value. Theyoffer fascinating glimpses into the ancient culture of theoffer fascinating glimpses into the ancient culture of theregion. A detailed study of these manuscripts will openregion. A detailed study of these manuscripts will openup many avenues of exploration into the beliefs andup many avenues of exploration into the beliefs andvalues of the society in those periods of Indian history.values of the society in those periods of Indian history.Proper dissemination of the contents in the manuscriptsProper dissemination of the contents in the manuscriptswould open up new arena of knowledge and variegatedwould open up new arena of knowledge and variegatedinsight in to the socio-religious-educational backgroundinsight in to the socio-religious-educational backgroundof the entire area. of the entire area.

THANK YOUTHANK YOU

- Jayanti Chakravorty- Jayanti Chakravorty