Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old. Richard McClintock, a Latin professor at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, looked up one of the more obscure Latin words, consectetur, from a Lorem Ipsum passage, and going through the cites of the word in classical literature, discovered the undoubtable source.
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 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.
Further, 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..
How?:
A collection of ancient manuscripts were 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. 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 and shared through Wikimedia Commons in PDF formats. This act, therefore, ensures these texts are freely accessible for both academic study and the public while remaining preserved further. The interview with ABC gave deeper insight to the historical and cultural background.
Sri Sri Basudev Than Narowa Satra, located in the serene part of Dhakuakhana town in Assam's Lakhimpur district, is a site of immense cultural and historical significance. Established during the Vaishnavite Renaissance in Assam, this Satra has long been a repository of rare manuscripts and inscriptions that reflect the region's spiritual and literary heritage.
Following an extensive local investigation, a team of three member from our project 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 copperplate inscription, providing a deeper insight into the Satra’s historical significance.
During an enlightening 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.
Governmental Intervention and Conservation Efforts
Acknowledging the importance of safeguarding this heritage, the Government of Assam, in collaboration with the Archaeological Department, has taken proactive measures to protect the remaining manuscripts. These include:
Specialized Training: Training programs for the Satra’s office bearers, focusing on modern conservation practices and the importance of proper manuscript handling and storage.
Manuscript Preservation Initiatives: Implementation of improved preservation methods, including climate-controlled storage, digitization, and cataloging.
These measures aim to curb further deterioration and prevent additional losses, ensuring that these historical treasures are preserved for future generations.
Among the significant findings was a copperplate 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 have survived, 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.
Recognizing the fragility of Korkeni and its cultural significance, our team has initiated a digitization project to preserve the surviving text. Digitization involves creating high-resolution digital images of the manuscript, which will be cataloged and stored in a secure database. This process will:
Prevent further physical deterioration of the original manuscript.
Facilitate academic research and public access to the text without risking damage to the original.
Serve as a foundation for potential restoration and reconstruction efforts.
Additionally, efforts are underway to trace references to Korkeni in other historical records to piece together its broader context and significance.
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.
When and Where?: Kaliabor, Nagaon.
Why?:
How?:
A collection of ancient manuscripts were 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. 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.
Outcome:
Followup plan:
Learning: