NEW DELHI: Three major works of India’s literary, historical and intellectual heritage, Kalhana’s ‘Rajatarangini’, the ‘Mahabharata’ and Kautilya‘s ‘Arthashastra’, have been added to Unesco’s Memory of the World Regional Register for Asia and the Pacific.The decision was taken at the 11th session of the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP), held in Jakarta, Indonesia.The development was announced by Dr Sachchidanand Joshi, member secretary of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), which contributed to preparing the nomination dossiers for all three works.In 2024, India had secured regional register recognition for three other literary works: The Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra and Sahṛdayālokalocana.With the latest additions, India’s total number of inscriptions in the regional register has risen to six.Composed in the 12th century, Kalhana’s ‘Rajatarangini’ provides a chronological account of Kashmir’s rulers, political developments and the region’s social and cultural life. Its approach to documenting history through evidence, traditions and critical inquiry gives it a distinct place in Indian historiography.The ‘Mahabharata’, one of the major epics of Indian civilisation, explores themes including Dharma, duty, justice, power and human relationships. Its philosophical reflections and enduring values have also made it part of South Asia’s shared cultural memory.
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Kautilya’s ‘Arthashastra’ deals with governance, statecraft, economic policy, diplomacy, administration and strategic affairs. The work reflects ancient India’s political and administrative thinking and its understanding of the functioning of the state.The three inscriptions represent different aspects of India’s intellectual traditions, spanning historical writing, philosophy and ethical thought, and governance.The announcement also comes amid efforts under the Gyan Bharatam Mission to preserve, promote and digitise India’s manuscript heritage. The initiative aims to identify, conserve and digitise manuscripts across the country and make them accessible to future generations and the global community.
