The Wiki Loves Documentation – Assam Chapter project has been carried out with a focus on preserving and sharing Assam's cultural heritage through the Wikimedia platform. The project began in December 2024 with a systematic approach to documenting Assam's rich cultural heritage. The efforts were carried out in collaboration with local communities, historians, and cultural institutions. A core aspect of the project was the identification and digitization of rare manuscripts, books, and cultural artifacts, followed by their uploading to Wikimedia Commons to make them freely accessible. Interviews with local historians, community members, and prominent individuals were also conducted to capture oral histories that provide deeper context to the artifacts. Local volunteers were trained to help photograph the manuscripts, ensuring the preservation of these cultural treasures while making them available to the global public. The team worked closely with GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) coordinators to facilitate access to collections and align with Wikimedia's global mission.
The project covered multiple locations within Assam, focusing on regions with rich cultural and historical significance. We have covered Jorhat District, Lakhimpur Discrit, Charaideu District, and Nagaon District.
Outcome
The Wiki Loves Documentation – Assam Chapter project achieved several key outcomes in its mission to preserve and share Assam’s cultural heritage. A significant number of ancient manuscripts, religious texts, and local books, were successfully digitized and made publicly available on Wikimedia Commons. This ensured free access to these valuable resources, allowing scholars and the public to engage with Assam's history and culture. Additionally, the project captured numerous oral histories from local community members, enriching the documentation with personal stories and insights into the region's socio-cultural evolution. The project fostered increased community engagement and awareness, encouraging locals to actively participate in preserving their heritage.
Challenges Faced
Despite the project’s success, several challenges emerged throughout its execution. One of the main hurdles was the limited availability of resources for advanced preservation techniques, which made it difficult to ensure long-term protection for some fragile manuscripts. Access to certain rare collections and private holdings also posed challenges, as some institutions and individuals were hesitant to share their materials. Moreover, digitizing delicate materials required special handling, and in some cases, manuscripts were too fragile to undergo frequent handling without risking damage. Language and cultural barriers also complicated the documentation process, as some manuscripts were written in regional dialects or archaic languages, requiring additional efforts to interpret and preserve their meanings accurately.
Future Planning
Looking ahead, the project plans to expand its scope by reaching more remote and underserved areas of Assam. This will involve engaging with additional communities and cultural institutions to document more of the region’s untapped heritage. To sustain and enhance the project’s impact, there will be a greater focus on training and capacity-building efforts, enabling more volunteers and community members to contribute to the preservation process. The project also aims to collaborate with more GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) institutions to gain access to broader collections. In terms of preservation, the project will explore partnerships and funding opportunities to implement advanced preservation methods, ensuring that Assam’s cultural heritage remains safeguarded for future generations. Additionally, efforts will be made to raise global awareness of Assam’s heritage through ongoing promotion and by increasing the visibility of the digitized materials across various platforms.
During the initial phase of the project, several key design elements were created to establish a strong identity and ensure a cohesive visual representation of the initiative. Nayan Jyoti Nath took the initiative to create a logo that is unique in all aspects, being the core brand of the project, reflecting the mission and values of the same. To create a sense of unity and team spirit, a customized design of hoodies was designed for the project team members, which defined their inclusion and commitment. The team also had an attractive banner that explained the project to a larger audience as well. These early-stage design elements put in efforts to create a solid foundation for the project's identity and its future success.
Logo of Wiki Loves Manuscript Assam chapter
A meta page was created to serve as an informative hub, providing a detailed overview of the project for all those who might be interested a comprehensive description of the scope and objectives of the project.
Further, a detailed questionnaire was prepared to guide the interviews conducted during the project. This questionnaire was designed to gather comprehensive information about each manuscript, its history, and the context in which it was preserved. It included questions about the manuscript's origin, the significance of the text, any known historical events associated with it, and details about the family or community that has been safeguarding the manuscript. By addressing these aspects, the questionnaire helped document the broader cultural and historical significance of the manuscripts, providing valuable insights into their journey through time and ensuring that every important detail was preserved for future reference.
In Nagaon district, the documentation was carried out in three phases, with each phase focusing on a different location. This approach allowed for a diverse and thorough capture of the cultural and historical aspects of each selected area.
A formal event was organized to officially announce and celebrate the Wiki Loves Documentation initiative, a significant step towards preserving and sharing valuable cultural heritage. The event was attended by distinguished persons from the Kaliabor, along with members of the Kaliabor Sahitya Sabha, gathered to take part in the proceedings. This event not only marked the formal launch of the Wiki Loves Documentation project but also reinforced the community’s role in preserving and promoting its cultural heritage.
The program kicked off with a detailed overview of the Wiki Loves Documentation project, which aims to digitize and preserve manuscripts, for the benefit of future generations. As part of the event, interviews were conducted with all attendees, capturing their personal insights and recollections about the manuscripts and the cultural significance of the local heritage. These interviews provide a deeper understanding of the community’s connection to their history and traditions. During the event, all participants were felicitated for their invaluable contributions to the preservation of the region’s heritage.
One of the highlights of the program was a speech by the Ratuleswar (Ranjan) Goswami, the owner of these manuscripts. He shared with the audience the rich history of the place and the manuscript itself. These manuscripts are carefully preserved by him and his family over the years. Their dedication to safeguarding these cultural treasures was acknowledged and celebrated during the event.
Among the manuscripts showcased was a Xaasi manuscript, titled Kirtan Puthi (কীৰ্তন পুথি), along with another important manuscript, Sri Sri Gopal aatar charitra (গুৰুচৰিতকাৰ ৰাম গোপাল ৰচিত ভাটী আতাখ্যাত 'শ্ৰী শ্ৰী গোপাল আতাৰ চৰিত্ৰ'), both of which were photographed as part of the preservation effort. After digitization, the images of the manuscripts were formatted into PDFs and uploaded to Wikimedia Commons, a platform that provides free, public access to educational materials. This ensures that these texts remain accessible for both academic study and public viewing.
Second Phase
Date: January 23, 2025
Location: Kaliabor, Nagaon District, Assam
Pranamika Adhikary visited Kaliabor as part of the ongoing documentation efforts. A manuscript was documented, where it had been preserved by a family for many years. The owner of the manuscript was felicitated for the significant contribution to preserving its cultural value and ensuring its protection for future generations.
Bhaskar Bhuyan and Pranamika Adhikary visited Kaliabor as part of the ongoing documentation efforts. During the trip, they photographed two significant religious manuscripts.
Animesh Borah conducted an insightful interview with Bhante, and people from the Chalapathar Shyam Gaon, focusing on local traditions. Animesh Borah also documented about the Chala Reserve Forest, providing a deeper understanding of its ecological importance. During this visit, two important manuscripts were photographed, adding to the growing collection of cultural resources. Three articles were created in Assamese wikipedia.
A collection of ancient manuscripts was found in the monastery's library along with other books. The preservation of the manuscripts is done traditionally. While resources for advanced preservation are limited, the library ensures that the manuscripts are well-maintained and preserved with great care by the library. The manuscripts have been stored in a controlled environment to minimize deterioration. The manuscripts are carefully kept in almirah to shield them from dust, moisture, and direct sunlight. Although the monastery once housed a much larger number of manuscripts, several had been taken by scholars over the years and, unfortunately, had not been returned. This served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of cultural heritage and the importance of preserving these texts for future generations.
Our team added to the protection and availability of the manuscripts were recorded by high-quality images. After digitization, the images of the manuscripts were formatted into PDFs and uploaded to Wikimedia Commons, a platform that provides free, public access to educational materials. This ensures that both scholars and the general public can freely access and study these valuable texts without the risk of damaging the original manuscripts.
In addition to preserving the manuscripts physically and digitally, interviews with local historians and community members were conducted to capture the stories and experiences that enrich the cultural context of these manuscripts. One notable interview with Pyoseng Chowlu provided valuable insights into the community and its efforts in maintaining the community-driven reserve forest. These narratives highlight the deep connection between the villagers and their environment, showcasing their long-standing commitment to sustainability and conservation. The insights gained from such interviews offer essential perspectives into the socio-cultural evolution of the community, reinforcing the importance of preserving both tangible and intangible heritage.
Animesh Borah visited Balijan Shyam Gaon, Na Shyamgaon, and Betbari Shyamgaon, to document the rich historical and cultural heritage of these villages. The documentation was focused on identification, documentation, and initial digitization of rare manuscripts held in Balijan Shyamgaon (Titabor, Jorhat District). Two manuscripts were carefully photographed, which revealed the immense cultural and spiritual significance these texts hold for the villagers, who have protected them for generations. The community's reverence for these manuscripts underscores their historical and spiritual importance, making their preservation a crucial undertaking both academically and culturally.
A particularly intriguing find was an unverified manuscript, a golden kammawara (a religious book), reportedly gifted to the Balijan Buddhist monastery around 300 years ago by the Burmese general Mingimaha Bandula as a token of love and friendship. The Balijan Buddhist monastery has since become a major pilgrimage spot for Buddhists in Northeast India, holding a central place in the region's cultural and spiritual identity. Another manuscript was handwritten notes from the first village headman, shedding light on the village's historical narrative.
These manuscripts represent a tangible link to the past, raising questions about its journey and the circumstances under which it was entrusted to the village. Its discovery highlights the need for further research and expert verification to ascertain its authenticity and historical relevance.
Additionally, valuable oral histories were also documented. Chaimat Shyam, a senior resident from Balijan Shyam Gaon, shared the story of their ancestors, recounting how they came to settle in Titabor and their connection to the region’s historical landscape. These narratives offer essential insights into the community's socio-cultural evolution and further emphasize the importance of preserving both the physical artifacts and the oral traditions that define the village's rich heritage.
Location: Sri Sri Basudev Than Narowa Satra, Dhakuakhana, Lakhimpur District, Assam. The satra was established during the Vaishnavite Renaissance in Assam. The Satra has long been a repository of rare manuscripts and inscriptions that reflect the region's spiritual and literary heritage.
How?
A visit to Dhakuakhana by Nayan Jyoti Nath, Rumi Borah, and Arupam Das led to the discovery of several rare and valuable manuscripts, as well as a copper plate inscription highlighting the historical significance of the Satra. One of the most remarkable findings was the fragment of the Korkeni manuscript. Although only five pages of the manuscript were found, they represent an extraordinary linguistic and literary treasure. A conversation with the Satradhikar revealed the alarming loss of manuscripts over the years, primarily due to borrowing without return, underscoring the urgency of implementing preservation strategies.
The team visited the Satra to document its heritage and assess the condition of its archival materials. This visit unearthed several valuable and rare manuscripts, along with a copper plate inscription, providing a deeper insight into the Satra’s historical significance.
During a discussion with the Satradhikar (head of the Satra), it came to light that many manuscripts from the Satra have been lost over the years. This loss has largely occurred due to individuals borrowing the manuscripts for research or ritualistic purposes and failing to return them. Such losses have significantly impacted the Satra’s archival integrity and the cultural knowledge it represents.
Among the significant findings was a copper plate inscription unearthed during pond excavations within the Satra's premises. While this artifact is a testament to the region’s rich past, its condition is far from ideal. A considerable portion of the engraved text has succumbed to corrosion, posing challenges for historians attempting to decipher its complete narrative. Preliminary observations suggest that the inscription could shed light on historical events, land grants, or religious practices associated with the Satra, making its preservation a matter of urgency.
A particularly remarkable discovery was a fragment of an exceedingly rare manuscript titled Korkeni, written in the modern Kaithali script. This manuscript holds immense linguistic and literary value, representing a unique facet of the region’s intellectual history. Unfortunately, only pages 26 to 30 of the manuscript are left, leaving the total number of pages in the original work unknown. The content of the existing pages provides a tantalizing glimpse into a bygone era, but the incomplete nature of the manuscript underscores the urgency of its preservation.
Followup plan:
The discovery of rare manuscripts and inscriptions at Basudev Than Narwa Satra underscores the importance of sustained efforts in heritage conservation. The Satradhikar's enthusiastic cooperation was highly commendable, and we discussed the potential for future collaborations, recognizing the immense value of the manuscripts housed at this site. He graciously assured us of his continued support and assistance in our future endeavors.
The documentation process has been one of the key achievements of the project. A diverse collection of materials, including religious texts, historical manuscripts, and linguistic resources, has been amassed through extensive field visits. These manuscripts have been meticulously photographed, and accompanying articles have been written to provide in-depth insights into the cultural and historical contexts of the locations visited. These efforts significantly contribute to the growing archive of Assamese cultural knowledge.
In addition to physical manuscripts, the project has placed significant emphasis on documenting oral histories and local traditions, ensuring the preservation of intangible cultural elements alongside the physical artifacts. Interviews with local custodians, elders, historians, community members, and prominent individuals have provided a holistic understanding of Assam's rich heritage, giving deeper context to the artifacts.
Local volunteers were trained to help photograph the manuscripts, ensuring the preservation of these cultural treasures while making them accessible to a global audience. The team also worked closely with local coordinators to facilitate access to collections and align with Wikimedia's global mission. These collaborations have strengthened the project’s ability to capture and share the region’s cultural wealth.
Numerous resources, including images and articles, have been successfully uploaded to Wikimedia platforms and Assamese Wikipedia, expanding access to these valuable cultural treasures.
The project involved capturing rare cultural materials, including texts, objects, and oral histories. Despite the progress, several challenges have arisen throughout the course of the project.
Loss of Manuscripts
One issue is particularly highlighted during the Dhakuakhana visit and Chalapathar Buddhist Monastery, is the ongoing loss of manuscripts due to the borrowing practice, with no formal return protocols in place. This challenge emphasizes the need for proper systems to secure these valuable cultural resources.
Condition of Manuscripts
The fragile condition of many manuscripts, particularly those that are centuries old, poses another significant challenge. The discovery of the Korkeni manuscript fragment highlights the urgent need for preservation measures.
Lack of Knowledge
Some of these manuscripts get destroyed or become too old to use. Many manuscripts are privately kept without proper preservation techniques, risking deterioration. Without scientific conservation, environmental factors and natural aging threaten their survival and accessibility for future generations.
Cultural Sensitivity
Many of these items held deep cultural and religious significance for local communities. Some of these manuscripts get destroyed or become too old to use due to their religious importance attached to it. The manuscripts are seen as sacred, leads to resistance against digitization. Balancing respect for beliefs with preservation needs requires careful consideration and understanding of local customs and traditions. Obtaining the necessary permissions from local authorities, institutions, and community leaders was a critical aspect of ensuring that the project proceeded respectfully and inclusively.
Familiarity with Traditional Scripts
During visits to Balijan Buddhist Monastery, it was observed that many individuals were unfamiliar with the traditional scripts used in these manuscripts. This presents an opportunity to enhance global understanding of Assam’s rich cultural heritage by providing accurate, credible information about the region’s unique scripts and traditions.
Preservation of Oral Histories
The project also aimed to collect oral histories from local communities. However, this aspect faced its own set of hurdles. In some cases, the older generations, who held the most knowledge, were hesitant to share their stories. There were also challenges in ensuring that these oral histories were accurately transcribed and preserved in a manner that honoured their original context and meaning.
Infrastructure Challenges
Assam’s geography and infrastructure posed a challenge. Some of the areas where the project was executed had limited access to stable internet connections, and/or transportation. These issues delayed the documentation process, as volunteers often had to travel long distances to reach remote regions.
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