Rare Palm Leaf and Handwritten Manuscripts Seized by Bhubaneswar Customs Handed Over to ASI
Bhubaneswar: Rare palm leaf and handwritten manuscripts intercepted by the Bhubaneswar Customs have been handed over to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). These valuable artifacts, bound for Spain and France through international speed posts, were seized during routine inspections, shedding light on the ongoing battle against illicit trafficking of historical treasures.
The interception occurred in October 2019, when officers of the Bhubaneswar Customs discovered a palm leaf manuscript containing the 10th chapter of the Srimad Bhagwat Mahapurana. Composed in classical Champu, a unique blend of prose and poetry passages, the manuscript is estimated to be approximately 300 years old. The script, written in Odia language, spans 155 leaves and features hard wooden supporting covers at the top and bottom.
Further investigation revealed that the parcel was booked by Kiran Pai of Puri on October 10, 2019, highlighting the intricate network through which these artifacts are trafficked. Similarly, in October 2020, another handmade manuscript destined for France was withheld. This manuscript, containing Buddhist texts, comprised 17 leaves inscribed in Devanagari script with black and red ink. Believed to be over 80 years old, it was booked by Tamdin Gyalpo of Gajapati district on October 24, 2020.
The significance of these manuscripts extends beyond their age and origin; they represent a tangible link to India’s rich cultural and literary heritage. The ASI, entrusted with the responsibility of preserving and safeguarding the nation’s antiquities, received the manuscripts from Sanjay Pant, the principal chief commissioner of Customs Bhubaneswar zone, in a ceremony attended by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who virtually presided over the handing over process.
The transfer of these artifacts marks a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies and heritage preservation authorities to combat the illegal trade of cultural relics. By intercepting and repatriating these manuscripts, authorities not only thwart illicit activities but also ensure that these invaluable pieces of history are rightfully preserved for future generations.
This recent initiative underscores the importance of vigilance and international cooperation in protecting cultural heritage from exploitation and trafficking. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in preserving antiquities amidst a global landscape of illicit trade and highlights the commitment of India’s authorities to uphold the integrity of its cultural legacy. Through concerted efforts and partnerships, the nation continues to take proactive steps in safeguarding its heritage for posterity.
