Assam’s Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra Society has donated five ancient Sanchipat manuscripts to the Rashtrapati Bhavan Library in New Delhi.
The formal handover took place on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. These rare documents, crafted on the bark of the sanchi tree, are considered literary treasures of Assamese heritage.
The move marks a vital step in preserving India’s indigenous knowledge systems and art traditions.
What Are Sanchipat Manuscripts?
Sanchipat refers to traditional manuscripts made from the bark of the sanchi tree (Aquillaria agallocha), prepared through an elaborate process. Further, these manuscripts are known for their durability and calligraphic beauty.
Historically, they were used to document religious texts, philosophical teachings, biographies of saints, and classical Assamese literature.
The manuscripts gifted to the Rashtrapati Bhavan Library date back centuries. They contain writings related to Bhakti saint Srimanta Sankardeva, including Borgeets (devotional songs), Ankiya Nat (one-act plays), and scriptures of the Ekasarana Dharma.
Significance of the Donation
According to officials from the Kalakshetra Society, the decision to donate was taken to ensure proper preservation, security, and public accessibility.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan Library, which maintains an exclusive collection of rare books and historical artifacts, provides an ideal environment for these manuscripts. Moreover, they will be conserved using state-of-the-art archival techniques and displayed in a dedicated section.
The move is expected to help scholars and cultural historians across the country engage with Assam’s literary legacy.
Promoting Assam’s Cultural Diplomacy
The donation also strengthens Assam’s presence in national cultural discourse. The Kalakshetra Society, headquartered in Guwahati, is an autonomous body under the Assam government’s Cultural Affairs Department.
It was established to celebrate the life and teachings of Srimanta Sankardeva and preserve his contribution to literature, drama, music, and social reform. Also, the society regularly organizes exhibitions, seminars, and preservation projects.
By donating the Sanchipat manuscripts to a national institution, the Kalakshetra Society is promoting cultural diplomacy. And, national integration through regional heritage.
Voices from the Event
Speaking on the occasion, a representative from the Kalakshetra Society said,
“These manuscripts are a living link to Assam’s spiritual and literary tradition. We believe Rashtrapati Bhavan is the most fitting place to keep them safe and accessible to future generations.”
Officials at Rashtrapati Bhavan also expressed appreciation. Further, stating that the donation enhances their repository of India’s diverse intellectual and cultural history.
The Role of Manuscripts in Digital Preservation
While the manuscripts will be physically stored at Rashtrapati Bhavan, there are plans to digitize them. Also, this will allow global researchers and language scholars to study the texts in high-resolution formats.
The Kalakshetra Society has earlier collaborated with institutions like the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). Besides, the National Mission for Manuscripts to digitize Assamese heritage materials.
This initiative complements the government’s broader aim of preserving regional knowledge systems through digital access and museum displays.
Why It Matters
Preserving rare manuscripts is not just about conserving old texts. Henceforth, it is about safeguarding India’s plural intellectual traditions and passing them on to the future.
In an era of digital dominance, these ancient documents serve as reminders of India’s handwritten legacy.
The donation of Sanchipat manuscripts by the Kalakshetra Society is not merely a cultural exchange. It is a reminder of how India’s regions contribute to the collective soul of the nation.
Also, read our article to understand its ongoing contributions to art and literature in the Northeast.
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