India’s ancient texts have preserved valuable ideas on history, literature, philosophy and governance for generations. Some of these works continue to attract interest for the knowledge and traditions they represent.
In a major recognition, UNESCO has added manuscripts of the Mahabharata, Arthashastra and Rajatarangini to its Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register.
The decision was taken at the 11th session of the regional register, held in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) helped prepare the nominations for all three works.
The recognised manuscripts are kept at three institutions: the Mahabharata manuscript at Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute in Pune, the Arthashastra manuscript at Oriental Research Institute in Mysuru, and the Rajatarangini manuscript at Oriental Research Library in Srinagar.
Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat welcomed the recognition, calling it an important moment for India’s cultural heritage.
With these additions, India’s total number of entries in the Asia-Pacific Regional Register has reached six. Three other Indian manuscripts were included in 2024.
