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| J&K’s historical, intellectual heritage gets UNESCO recognition | | Manuscripts of three important Indian texts, including Mahabharata, Kalhana’s Rajatarangini and Kautilya’s Arthashastra, added into World Asia-Pacific Regional Register; LG Sinha, CM Omar hail achievement | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 7: Jammu and Kashmir’s historical and intellectual heritage has gained new international recognition. Manuscripts of three important Indian texts—the Mahabharata, Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, and Kautilya’s Arthashastra—have been included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register.
Of these, the Rajatarangini and the Mahabharata are directly linked to Jammu and Kashmir’s knowledge tradition, Sharada script, and manuscript heritage.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah termed it a proud moment for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Proud moment for Jammu Kashmir & the nation! Kalhaṇa’s Rajatarangini, Mahabharata & Arthasastra have been inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register. The inclusion of Rajatarangini celebrates UT’s rich intellectual heritage, the Office of LG J&K posted.
“This global recognition reaffirms the timeless value of India’s civilisational traditions and their contribution to humanity, reminding us of our collective responsibility to preserve and promote this invaluable wisdom for future generations,”, “ the post further states.
“The Chief Minister congratulated the people of Jammu & Kashmir on the inscription of the 12th-century manuscript of Kalhana’s Rajatarangini on the UNESCO Memory of the World Regional Register for Asia and the Pacific, the office of the Chief Minister posted on the official social media handle.
“Preserved at the Oriental Research Library in Srinagar, this manuscript serves as an invaluable repository of Kashmir’s historical and cultural tradition”, it stated, adding, “The Chief Minister noted that this international recognition celebrates Jammu & Kashmir’s profound historical legacy and underscores the importance of preserving its rich heritage.
The knowledge contained in the scriptures did not remain confined to them; it reached the people through proverbs and folk tales.
A rare manuscript of Rajatarangini, written by Kalhana in the 12th century, is preserved in the Oriental Research Library in Srinagar. A nearly 400-year-old birch bark manuscript of the Mahabharata was also recovered from Kashmir. This achievement highlights Kashmir not only for its natural beauty and tourism, but also as an important center of India’s ancient writing and knowledge tradition.
Kalhana’s Rajatarangini is considered one of the important works of history writing in Indian literature. Written in Sanskrit in the 12th century, this text provides a systematic account of Kashmir’s kings, dynasties, political developments, and socio-cultural life. Kalhana not only described the kings’ achievements but also attempted to present historical accounts. |
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