Manuscripts Are Forgotten Wealth; They Hold Treasures of Knowledge and Science: Dr. Jugnu

Udaipur: India’s intellectual wealth lies in its vast heritage of texts, yet many manuscripts and handwritten books remain undocumented. We are often unaware of our own valuable legacy, which has the potential to place us at the forefront of global knowledge.

This was stated by historian Dr. Shrikrishna Jugnu during a special lecture आयोजित on the occasion of World Heritage Day at the Anthropological Survey of India office in Pratap Nagar. Students from Kendriya Vidyalaya in the city also participated in the event. Office head Dr. Sreenilanjan Khatua highlighted the significance and objectives of the program, noting that India has long been recognized as a global center of knowledge.

Emphasizing the tradition of maintaining personal collections of manuscripts in Rajasthan—especially in the Mewar region—Dr. Jugnu said that many households still preserve texts that are 100–200 years old or even older. He pointed out that if we study these works and understand their subjects and significance, we will realize how vast and diverse our knowledge systems once were. Udaipur has long been aware of the value of antique manuscripts, attracting tourists and scholars alike who remain keenly interested in this heritage.

He stressed the urgent need to preserve and protect this intellectual legacy, mentioning that the government has been running a campaign since last September in this direction. He urged students to become “knowledge ambassadors” and come forward. If any institution or private collection possesses old manuscripts, they should be reported to the “Gyan Bharatam” mission. The government is currently conducting a nationwide survey and registration drive for manuscripts, and everyone should participate in this important initiative to safeguard and document our traditional heritage. This effort is not only about preservation but also about protecting our identity and securing our future.

On this occasion, Dr. Jugnu also displayed samples of handwritten manuscripts in various scripts and languages. He showcased valuable artifacts from Mewar, including copper plates, coins, and other historical materials, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of heritage. The program was conducted by Mr. Romi Anand, with participation from museum curator Deepa Mandal and anthropologist Sudarshan Oraon, among others.