Nawada/Patna: A cache of 18 rare manuscripts has been discovered at an old temple in Bihar’s Nawada district, prompting efforts to preserve the material under the Centre’s “Gyan Bharatam” mission.
The manuscripts were found at the Shri Thakur Radha Raman Lal Ji Temple in Chandipur village, where a survey led by district officials uncovered handwritten and block-printed texts of historical significance.
Survey Leads To Discovery
Neelima Sahu, deputy development commissioner, inspected the temple — built in 1883 — during which the manuscripts were identified.
Officials said the documents have been registered on the mission’s digital platform and the process of digitisation has already begun.
Preserving Ancient Knowledge
The manuscripts, believed to contain material on subjects such as Ayurveda, literature, astronomy and local history, are part of a broader effort to locate and preserve India’s dispersed textual heritage.
Authorities said such documents, often written on palm leaves, cloth or aged paper, hold significant cultural and academic value.
Digital Archive Initiative
Under the mission, the manuscripts will be digitised using modern technology and incorporated into a national repository to make them accessible to researchers and the public.
Officials clarified that ownership of the manuscripts will remain with the original custodians, while the administration will handle preservation through scientific methods.
Public Appeal
The district administration has also appealed to residents to come forward with information about similar manuscripts in their possession, as part of efforts to expand the archival initiative.
The discovery has generated considerable local interest, with officials describing it as an important step in safeguarding Bihar’s cultural heritage.
