Jammu and Kashmir’s historical and intellectual heritage has gained new international recognition as
India’s three manuscripts, including Mahabharata, Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, and Kautilya’s Arthashastra were included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register.
Of these, the Rajatarangini and the Mahabharata are directly linked to J&K’s knowledge tradition, Sharada script, and manuscript heritage.
Their inclusion in the prestigious UNESCO register brings international attention to J&K’s contribution to the preservation and transmission of ancient knowledge.
For centuries, J&K has remained an important centre of learning, philosophy, literature, spirituality and intellectual discourse. Its scholars made remarkable contributions to Sanskrit literature, history, linguistics and philosophy.
The Valley was not merely a geographical region but an influential centre where ideas were developed, debated and transmitted across generations.
Kalhana’s Rajatarangini holds a special place in this intellectual tradition. Written in the 12th century, it is widely regarded as one of the earliest systematic historical chronicles of the Indian subcontinent.
Kalhana demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to documenting the political history of Kashmir, drawing upon earlier records, inscriptions, traditions and historical accounts. His work remains an invaluable source for understanding the region’s past and reflects the scholarly temperament that Kashmir nurtured over centuries.
Similarly, the Mahabharata represents one of the greatest literary and philosophical achievements of Indian civilisation. Its profound discussions on morality, duty, justice, governance and human relationships have influenced generations across the world. Kashmir’s manuscript traditions played an important role in preserving and transmitting this vast body of knowledge. The association of these manuscripts with the Sharada script further highlights the importance of the region’s historical contribution to India’s literary heritage.
The Sharada script, which flourished in Kashmir and adjoining regions, is an important symbol of this legacy. It served as a medium for recording religious, philosophical, literary and scholarly works. Unfortunately, the script has gradually disappeared from everyday use, and many people today remain unaware of its historical significance. Its preservation and revival deserve serious attention.
UNESCO’s recognition should therefore be viewed not merely as an honour but also as a responsibility. The government, universities, historians, cultural organisations and educational institutions must work together to identify, preserve, digitise and document ancient manuscripts scattered across libraries, monasteries, temples and private collections. Special efforts are needed to train young scholars in reading and understanding the Sharada script. |
