Memory of the World: Rajatarangini, Mahabharata and Arthashastra Receive UNESCO Recognition

Why in news?

• On 5 November 2026, UNESCO's Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register recognised three important Indian documentary heritage works: The Manuscript of Rajatarangini by Kalhana, The Birch-bark Manuscript of Mahabharata and Kautilya's Arthashastra an Ancient Palm leaf Manuscript on Governance and Statecraft.

Key Facts 

What is UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme?

• The Memory of the World (MoW) Programme is an international initiative launched by UNESCO in 1992 to preserve the world's documentary heritage and protect historically and culturally significant records from loss, deterioration and destruction.
• Documentary heritage includes manuscripts, historical documents, archives, books, photographs, films, sound recordings and other important records that preserve human knowledge and collective memory.
• Major objectives are: 
  • Preservation: Protect valuable historical documents and manuscripts.
  • Accessibility: Improve public access to documentary heritage.
  • Awareness: Promote understanding of the importance of historical records.
  • International Cooperation: Encourage collaboration among countries and institutions.
  • Knowledge Transmission: Ensure that documentary heritage remains available for future generations.

Three levels of the Memory of the World Programme

Understanding the Three Newly Recognised Indian Works

A. Rajatarangini: The Historical Chronicle of Kashmir

B. Mahabharata: India's Great Epic of Philosophy and Dharma

• The Mahabharata, traditionally attributed to Maharishi Ved Vyasa, is one of theworld's longest epic compositions and an important foundation of Indian philosophical, ethical and literary traditions.
• It narrates the conflict between the Pandavas and Kauravas and explores broader questions relating to Dharma, duty, justice, morality, leadership and human relationships.
• The Mahabharata is not merely an epic about a war. It is also a vast source of philosophical and ethical discussions.
• The Bhagavad Gita, which forms part of the Mahabharata, discusses Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga, along with the relationship between duty and spiritual understanding.
• Important features of the Mahabharata are: 
  • Traditionally attributed to Maharishi Ved Vyasa.
  • Written in Sanskrit.
  • Traditionally divided into 18 Parvas (books).
  • Contains approximately 100,000 verses in its commonly described traditional form.
  • Includes the Bhagavad Gita as an important philosophical section.
  • Explores Dharma, Karma, justice, duty and ethical decision-making.

C. Arthashastra: Ancient India's Treatise on Governance and Statecraft

• The Arthashastra, traditionally attributed to Kautilya (Chanakya or Vishnugupta), is one of the most important ancient Indian texts on political administration, economics, diplomacy and statecraft.
• It provides a systematic discussion of how a state should be governed, how economic resources should be managed and how a ruler should maintain security and political stability.
• The Arthashastra is a valuable source for understanding ancient Indian political and economic thought.
• It discusses the responsibilities of the state, the importance of public finance, administrative efficiency, law enforcement, national security and foreign relations.
• Its ideas remain relevant to the academic study of political science, economics, international relations and public administration.
• Important features of Arthashastra are: 
  • Traditionally attributed to Kautilya.
  • Written in Sanskrit.
  • Deals with governance, administration and public finance.
  • Discusses taxation, agriculture, trade and economic management.
  • Explains diplomacy, espionage and military strategy.
  • Includes the Saptanga Theory of the State and Mandala Theory of foreign relations.

Comparison of the Three Newly Recognised Works

India's Previous Entries in the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Regional Register

Role of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)

• Facilitates the nomination of India's documentary heritage for UNESCO recognition.
• Supports the preservation and conservation of rare manuscripts.
• Promotes research on India's artistic, cultural and intellectual traditions.
• Organises workshops and awareness programmes related to documentary heritage.
• Encourages international cooperation for manuscript preservation.

Significance of UNESCO Recognition for India

• Cultural Heritage: Strengthens international recognition of India's ancient knowledge traditions.
• Historical Research: Encourages further study of historical records and manuscripts.
• Literature: Highlights India's contribution to world literature and epic traditions.
• Political Science: Recognises ancient Indian contributions to governance and diplomacy.
• Manuscript Conservation: Encourages scientific preservation of rare historical manuscripts.

Difference between UNESCO's Major Heritage Recognition Programmes

Challenges in Preserving India's Manuscript Heritage

• Physical Deterioration: Palm-leaf and birch-bark manuscripts are vulnerable to humidity, insects, heat and ageing.
• Lack of Digitisation: Many rare manuscripts are not yet digitally documented or easily accessible.
• Conservation Infrastructure: Scientific preservation facilities and trained conservators are not uniformly available.
• Language and Script Barriers: Ancient languages and scripts require specialised expertise for interpretation.
• Fragmentation of Collections: Historical manuscripts may be distributed across different libraries, archives and institutions.

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