Ehsan Fazili/Srinagar

Rajtaringini, (meaning River of Kings), the Sanskrit manuscript written by Kalhana of Kashmir, between 1148 and 1150  AD, which is the oldest book on history of Kashmir, was on display at the week-long exhibition held in the Shergarhi arts complex in Srinagar. The book and other collection of rare manuscripts in six languages, was of particular interest to students, scholars and heritage enthusiasts.

Kalhana's Rajatarangini is the most famous historical poem which records the oldest and fullest history of the legendary kings of Kashmir and also gives accounts of the Kashmiri kings of the historical period. It consists of eight chapters and draws upon earlier sources, notably the Nilamata Purana.

the exhibition was organised in connection with the World heritage Week.

Sanskrit manuscript Rajtaringini displayed

The exhibition that helped the youth, particularly students, to peep into the rich cultural and literary heritage of the region was organized by J&K’s Department of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums During the week-long celebrations, cultural programmes were organized in collaboration with the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, Department of School Education and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.

“The Department has rare manuscripts and documents. We also have a copy of the Rajatarangni in Sanskrit, which is displayed for the first time”, Mushtaq Ahmad Beigh, Deputy Director of the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Kashmir told Awaz-The Voice.

He said that there are also copies of the original Census reports dating back to 1880s and 1911, which are on display adding that the archival records are rich and are useful for research scholars. These documents are also useful for the students of schools and colleges, who were able to look at the papers, much to their benefit while scholars can access the original files, he said.

Kashmiri Poet and historian Zarif Ahmad Zarif being falicitated

Mushtaq Ahmad Beigh said that documents relating to official gazettes during the Dogra rule, including the launch of Jammu and Kashmir Bank founded on October 1, 1938 during the rule of Maharaja Hari Singh were also in the repository.

Two preserved files relating to the meteoroids (stone-fall and snake-fall) during rains in the Shopian area of South Kashmir around 1912 are also preserved and were put on display by the Department.  

“There are manuscripts as old as 250 to 300 years in different languages like Sharda (original script of Kashmiri) language, dating to 8th- and 12th century, Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, Urdu and Kashmiri”, an official, Mohammed Athar Samoon explains to the groups of students on their visits to the Special Exhibition.

Different Calligraphy works were also put on display, Samoon said adding that Kashmir’s own manufactured writing paper was also on display. The durable paper manufactured at a Press in the Nowshehra area of Srinagar was probably the most “durable” paper.

Youth at the exhibition

Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, who commended the Department's efforts in preserving and promoting the region's invaluable heritage said, “Rare manuscripts and books are windows to the past.”

A heritage walk was organized from the Shergarhi Complex to the SPS Museum, Srinagar. The walk, flagged off by the Divisional Commissioner, witnessed enthusiastic participation from heritage enthusiasts, scholars, and students from various schools celebrating Srinagar's historic landmarks and rich cultural tapestry.

Historian and Poet, Zarif Ahmad Zarif delivered a talk on the importance of Culture and Harmony during the week. Zarif raised awareness about the significance of World Heritage Week and the importance of preserving heritage for future generations.

An exhibit

Heritage week celebrations help us examine our history and traditions and enable us to develop awareness about heritage, he added.

On the third day of celebrations, students from the local orphanage in Srinagar visited the exhibition. They were taken on a conducted tour to three landmarks---Pari Mahal, Hari Parbat Fort, and the SPS Museum.

ALSO READ: Hindu poets who wrote eulogies of Prophet Muhammad

Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said the government has initiated the revival of 75 heritage sites for conservation and preservation.