Three timeless Indian literary treasures have recently earned a prestigious spot on UNESCO's Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register. Among them are the revered Ramcharitmanas by Goswami Tulsidas, the timeless wisdom of Panchatantra by Pt. Vishnu Sharma, and the insightful Sahṛdayaloka-Locana by Acharya Anandvardhan.
This honor was bestowed during the tenth gathering of the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, with Ramesh Chandra Gaur, dean, and head of the Kala Nidhi Division at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), in attendance to witness this momentous occasion.
What is the significance of the works?
India’s Ministry of Culture heralded the addition of three literary masterpieces to the register as a celebration of diverse narratives shaping our shared humanity. These works, transcending time and place, have left an indelible mark globally, resonating with readers and artists far beyond India's borders.
The Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas, cherished not only in India but also across Southeast Asia, exemplify this enduring appeal. UNESCO received two manuscripts of Ramcharitmanas, one by Goswami Tulsidas and another in Arabic from the 18th century, showcasing its universal significance.
The inclusion of Panchatantra fables was based on their timeless moral wisdom, while the 15th-century Sahṛdayaloka-Locana was chosen for its profound aesthetics. India's nominations mark a significant milestone, being the first submissions to UNESCO's MOWCAP since its establishment in 2004, all of which have been accepted.
- Ramcharitmanas by Goswami Tulsidas
Ramcharitmanas, composed by the revered saint Tulsidas in the 16th century, holds profound significance in Hindu spirituality and literature. It serves as a sacred text, encapsulating the essence of devotion, righteousness, and the eternal principles of dharma (righteous duty). Through its exquisite poetry and storytelling, Ramcharitmanas narrates the divine saga of Lord Rama, his righteous conduct, and his ultimate triumph of good over evil. Tulsidas's masterpiece not only expounds the ideals of morality and righteousness but also fosters a deep sense of devotion and reverence towards Lord Rama, making it a spiritual guide for millions, inspiring them to lead a virtuous life and seek inner fulfillment.
- Sahṛdayaloka-Locana by Acharya Anandvardhan
Sahṛdayaloka-Locana, authored by Acharya Anandvardhan, holds profound significance within the domain of Indian philosophy, particularly in the context of aesthetics. Anandvardhan, a celebrated thinker of the 9th century, crafted this seminal work as a commentary on Dhvanyāloka by Ānandavardhana, his predecessor. Sahṛdayaloka-Locana delves into the intricate nuances of rasa theory, the essence of aesthetic experience in literature, elucidating the dynamics of suggestion (dhvani) and its role in evoking emotional responses in the reader or spectator. This text not only enriches our understanding of Indian poetics but also serves as a guiding light for scholars and connoisseurs exploring the depths of literary appreciation and interpretation, resonating across centuries as a timeless masterpiece in the realm of literary criticism.
- Panchatantra by Pt. Vishnu Sharma
The Panchatantra, composed by Pt. Vishnu Sharma, holds immense significance as one of the oldest collections of Indian fables. Dating back to ancient India, its tales transcend time and culture, imparting timeless wisdom through enchanting narratives. Through the adventures of animals and humans, it imparts moral lessons, teaching readers about leadership, friendship, strategy, and the consequences of actions. Its enduring relevance lies in its ability to convey complex moral principles in simple, relatable stories, making it a treasure trove of wisdom for generations past and present. Pt. Vishnu Sharma's Panchatantra continues to be a cornerstone of moral education, storytelling, and cultural heritage in India and beyond.
What is the Memory of the World (MOW) register?
UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) program serves as a global safeguarding initiative, dedicated to preserving and granting access to precious documentary heritage, particularly those at risk of being lost. Originating in 1992 with the mission to prevent "collective amnesia," it champions the protection and dissemination of archives and library treasures worldwide.
This program identifies, registers, and honors documentary heritage of international, regional, and national importance, bestowing a distinctive logo upon recognized collections. It advocates for equal preservation and accessibility, striving to raise awareness among governments, the public, and businesses about the urgent need for conservation and funding.
Inclusion in the MOW register not only validates the significance of documentary heritage but also enhances its visibility, facilitating research, education, and entertainment while ensuring its preservation for future generations.
The Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana enter ‘UNESCO's Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register’#UNESCO #Ramcharitmanas pic.twitter.com/Ojsz2ZKyAE— DD News (@DDNewslive) May 15, 2024
What are the other items on the list?
As of May 2023, UNESCO's website reports 494 inscriptions on the International MoW Register. While the global list is extensive, regional recognition is also significant. MOWCAP, focusing on the Asia-Pacific region, recently added three Indian texts, celebrating diverse achievements in genealogy, literature, and science. During the 2024 cycle at the tenth General Meeting in Ulaanbaatar, Member States inscribed 20 new items, including contributions from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, and Uzbekistan.
These additions encompass a rich array of heritage:
- Australia and Tuvalu: The Edgeworth David 1897 Expedition Documents
- China: Archives Relating to the Chengdu Traditional Teahouses
- China: Huizhou Genealogy Archives
- China: Printing Blocks Housed at the Derge Printing House
- Indonesia: Indarung I, The First Cement Plant in Southeast Asia (1910-1972)
- Indonesia: Indonesian Sugar Research Institute’s Archives 1887-1986: The Role of ISRI’s Research Activities to the World Sugar Industry
- Indonesia: The Tambo Tuanku Imam Bonjol Manuscript
- Malaysia: Al-Tarikh Salasilah Negeri Kedah - Genealogical History of Kedah State
- Malaysia: The Royal Correspondence of Baginda Omar (Surat Persendirian Baginda Omar)
- Mongolia: Family Chart of Hereditary Lords of the Khalkha Mongols, the House of Genghis Khan
- Mongolia: Mongolia’s First Postage Stamps ‘Eldev Ochir’
- Philippines: Doctrina Christiana en Lengua Española y Tagala (Christian Doctrine in Spanish and Tagalog), Manila, 1593
- Philippines: Hinilawod Epic Chant Recordings
- Uzbekistan: Images of Khorezm Oasis by Khudaibergan Devanov (1879-1937)
- Uzbekistan: “Turkestan Album” 1871-1872
- Viet Nam: Bas-reliefs on the Nine Bronze Urns in Huế Imperial Palace
Endorsed by 38 countries, these additions to the Memory of the World register underscore their enduring significance and universal resonance, transcending borders and cultures.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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