‘Gyan Bharatam’ Campaign Unearths Korba’s Cultural Treasure14 rare ancient manuscripts discovered at Shriram Cave Temple in Sitamadhi; digitally preserved under national archival initiative
KORBA, May 7: In a significant step towards preservation of India’s cultural and intellectual heritage, 14 rare and ancient manuscripts have been discovered at the historically significant Shriram Cave Temple in Sitamadhi near Korba under the Union Ministry of Culture’s nationwide manuscript survey initiative “Gyan Bharatam”.
The manuscripts have been digitally preserved and documented under the national archival programme aimed at safeguarding India’s traditional knowledge systems and manuscript heritage.
The ambitious campaign is being implemented in Korba district under the guidance of Collector Kunal Dudawat, with emphasis on identification, documentation and scientific preservation of ancient manuscripts preserved by individuals, families and religious institutions.
As part of the drive, a survey was conducted at the Shriram Cave Temple by the district team led by District Coordinator Satish Prakash Singh along with the “Gyan Bharatam Doot” youth volunteers. During the survey, 14 rare manuscripts preserved for generations at the temple premises were identified.
The manuscripts were found in the custody of temple priest Dukalu Shrivas, who informed the survey team that the manuscripts were handed down to him by his father late Matadin Shrivas and had been carefully preserved by their ancestors over generations.
Officials described the discovery as not only a valuable cultural asset but also a reflection of India’s long-standing tradition of familial heritage conservation.
Preliminary examination of the manuscripts revealed that they are written in the Odia language using the traditional “Mundia” script style, characterised by rounded characters. Experts associated with the survey explained that ancient scribes preferred curved lettering while writing on palm leaves to prevent damage to the delicate leaf fibres.
The manuscripts are estimated to belong to the period between the 15th and 19th centuries. Notably, writings were found inscribed on both sides of the palm leaves, indicating the distinctive literary and documentation practices of the time.
District Coordinator Satish Prakash Singh said such manuscripts represent invaluable repositories of India’s cultural and intellectual traditions. He appealed to citizens possessing old manuscripts, historical records or heritage documents to come forward and participate in the “Gyan Bharatam” campaign to facilitate their systematic conservation.
During the programme, members of the “Gyan Bharatam Doot” team digitally scanned the manuscripts and uploaded them on the official “Gyan Bharatam” application to ensure their long-term digital preservation.
On the occasion, the district administration honoured priest Dukalu Shrivas with a memento, shawl and coconut for his contribution towards preservation of cultural heritage.
Among those present were Dr Prashant Bopapurkar, Dr Sushila Kujur, Vikas Pandey and members of the youth team including Shivraj Thawait, Manu Pratap Shrivas, Raj Kuri, Khushboo Dinkar, Muskan Rajput, Dharna Kevat, Milli Chauhan and Shalini Kurre, besides other citizens.
