BHUBANESWAR: If you are in pursuit of ancient knowledge of the east, look no further than Parija library of Utkal University. It houses numerous manuscripts on ancient , Sanskrit, Odia literature, Ayurveda, Tantra, Mantra, arecheology, Jyotisha, Vedas, Vyakarana among others. The manuscripts are in the form of Talapothi. The library has become a hub for Odia, Sanskrit students and, researchers from across the country and abroad. Orissa Post interacted with the Chief Librarian of the Pothi section Pandit Kedarshwar Mishra and some students.
On the history of Pothi, Mishra said, “The history of these manuscripts dates back to 13th century. Firstly, Vasta Das wrote Shiva Parvati Vivah. The next documented manuscript is Mahabharat by Sarala Das. Nowadays, Manuscriptology is gaining a lot of popularity. A six-month course and a Masters course on the subject are offered by the University. Age-old conservation of these manuscripts through turmeric, juani, neem oil and karpur is well documented. We use Naphthalene and rectified spirit these days.”
Nakul Kumar Sahoo, a Sanskrit PG student of Utkal University said that courses on Sanskrit are as popular as other courses offered by the university. Currently, I am studying Hayagriba Upanishad by Kapila Muni. I wish to be a master of Sanskrit and teach in a big university in the future, he said.
Laxman Majhi, a student of Odia honours stated that it is difficult to study literature without manuscripts. Mamta Mishra, a Sanskrit student said, “Currently, I am studying Geeta Govinda by Jaydeva. Our university has manuscripts on every subject. On an average, it takes around 3-4 hours to complete one Pothi”
Another student of the university Archana Satpathy said, “Modern technology might fail someday but manuscripts will never fail. I always wished to study Sanskrit as I was interested in knowing the roots of our literature. I am currently studying Meghdoot by Kalidas. I wish to be a Sanskrit Guru at Banaras Hindu University.”
Brahmalipi manuscripts written on Sandalwood Talapatra, Jakhini manuscripts, Yantra of Jagannath, Dasabatar of Lord Jagannath, Malika, Copper plate manuscripts, Nataka Pothi, Dharma shastra as well as Silver coins are displayed at the library. Each manuscript is covered in red cloth with a unique number, which helps the students to identify specific subjects.
Meghana Dashmahapatra, a researcher on archaeology, stated that manuscripts written in Sanskrit are often helpful in research activities. Such timeless writings are difficult to find these days, he said.
Braja Sundar Mishra, a reader of Sanskrit, said that Pothis are the true form of Sanskrit learning. Pothis are popular due to its expert content and simple language.
Researcher of ancient history from Japan Kimaki Tanaka stated that courses on Sanskrit and Odia manuscripts are exciting career options for students as Manuscriptology is in great demand globally.
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