Some rare medieval manuscripts preserved in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district may shed new light on the region’s history, culture and tribal knowledge.. The rare inscriptions and copperplates are kept in two museums of the district and the district administration is now making special preparations to preserve them through the Central Government’s ‘Gyan Bharat’ scheme.
Two rare Tai manuscripts containing 67 and 158 inscriptions are currently preserved in the Difur District Museum, capital of Karbi Anglong district.. The specialty of these manuscripts is that they are inscribed rather than written in ink. A copperplate with three leaves, a ring and an elephant emblem is in the Nathengpi Karbi Heritage Museum.. The copper plate, believed to be of the 9th century, is written in Assamese though the language is Sanskrit..
Difu District Museum is a repository of rich cultural and archaeological heritage. He said the medieval manuscripts preserved here could reveal many important facts about the Ahom era, which ruled Assam from 1228 AD onwards.. The district administration plans to approach experts from the Institute of Tai Studies and Research to recover the text of the two rare Tai manuscripts..
At the same time, efforts are being made to include these historical resources in the central government’s ‘Gyan Bharat’ scheme for systematic survey, scientific preservation and digitization.. The commissioner said that a proposal has already been sent to the cultural department of the state government to take necessary steps in this regard. Summer camps and educational tours are also planned at the museum to increase interest in past traditions among students and youth..
The rare copper ruler was discovered in 2020 in Ok-Kereng Nihang Yingti village and was officially handed over by the villagers to the chief executive member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.. Therefore the Curator of the Assam State Museum will be consulted for a scientific assessment of the condition of the manuscripts. Only then will the digitization work begin.
The efforts of the district administration and the museum department are considered to be a strong step to preserve the indigenous culture and archaeological resources of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts for future generations.. Once deciphered by experts, these manuscripts are expected to reveal many new chapters in the history of the entire state..