Supaul: A century-old handwritten manuscript has been discovered in Bihar’s Supaul district under the nationwide ‘Gyan Bharat Mission’, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to document and preserve India’s traditional knowledge systems.
According to a tweet by the Supaul district administration, the manuscript was found in Jolhaniya village of Pipra block during a survey drive conducted as part of the mission. The rare document, estimated to be around 100 years old, is being considered an important addition to the region’s historical and cultural heritage.
The discovery was made possible through the efforts of local resident Shambhu Sharan Chaudhary. The manuscript was preserved at the residence of 60-year-old Domi Mandal, who safeguarded the handwritten text passed down from his grandfather for generations. Officials described his commitment to preserving ancestral knowledge as an inspiring example for the younger generation.
The district administration stated that Supaul has been actively contributing to the preservation of ancient manuscripts. So far, 103 manuscripts have been identified in the district, of which 86 have already been digitised and uploaded on the ‘Gyan Bharatam’ mobile application, making them accessible to a wider audience.
Appealing to citizens, the District Magistrate urged people to come forward with any old handwritten manuscripts, books, or documents available with them or their families. “Your contribution can help revive our fading cultural heritage and bring it to the global platform,” the administration said.
Residents have been advised to install the ‘Gyan Bharatam’ app to participate in the initiative or contact the District Art and Culture Officer (Contact Number 8092281780) for further assistance. Contributors to the mission will be recognised at the district level for their efforts in preserving heritage.
The administration reiterated that public participation remains key to the success of the campaign, which aims to document and digitise India’s rich but often overlooked manuscript traditions.
