Ancient Assamese 'Sanchipat' Manuscripts Handed Over to Rashtrapati Bhavan Library for Preservation

In a significant cultural gesture, the Guwahati-based Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra Society on Tuesday presented a priceless collection of five ancient Assamese manuscripts to the Rashtrapati Bhavan Library. Crafted on the rare and traditional 'Sanchipat' — the bark of the Sanchi tree — these manuscripts hold immense historical and spiritual value for Assam and the broader Vaishnavite heritage of India. The ceremonial handover took place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra Society Secretary Sudarshan Thakur formally transferred the manuscripts to Dipti Umashankar, Secretary to the President of India. The occasion was graced by senior officials from both the Assam government and the Union government, reflecting the event’s national significance. These manuscripts, inscribed meticulously on treated Sanchi tree leaves, embody Assam’s centuries-old manuscript tradition. Often used in the preservation of religious and philosophical texts, Sanchipat manuscripts are revered for their durability and the artistic excellence they represent. The initiative was carried out under the visionary leadership of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the state’s Chief Secretary Ravi Kota. The Kalakshetra Society worked closely with multiple satras—the traditional Vaishnavite monasteries spread across Assam—to identify and collect these manuscripts. These institutions, central to Assamese culture and religious life, have been guardians of the region’s literary and spiritual legacies for generations. With the manuscripts now housed in the Rashtrapati Bhavan Library, they will not only be preserved under the highest archival standards but will also be made available for public display, offering scholars and visitors a glimpse into Assam’s rich manuscript heritage. This handover marks a crucial step in both preserving and promoting India’s diverse cultural narratives on the national stage.