We've complied a list of resources for YOU!
Archives are more than dusty ledgers and ancient parchment. They are echoes of human intent, repositories of beginnings, and symbols of continuity. In exploring these archives, we don't just read history; we invite myth and meaning into our present. As I journey deeper into these storied collections, I hope to add to this repository of shared wisdom. If any tale or thought beckons you, share it with us—let's grow this narrative together.
The Maharaja Man Singh Pustak Prakash
The Maharaja Man Singh Pustak Prakash, nestled within the towering walls of Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, is more than a library; it is a guardian of memories, where ancient manuscripts breathe life into tales of gods, kings, and common folk alike. Founded in 1977, this archive houses over 7,500 manuscripts—ranging from Sanskrit to Rajasthani—each a doorway to wisdom. Here, you’ll find the Ajit Charitram, capturing the valiant journey of Maharaja Ajit Singh, and the Rajyabhishek Paddhatti, laying out rituals of royal coronations, a glimpse into power wrapped in tradition. Even the palm-leaf scrolls tell stories through ink and age, from Ayurvedic secrets in Ayurved Mahoddhati to the Vratark, a guide to devotion and fasting. Beyond myth and mysticism, the archives store the very essence of royal daily life: ‘bahis’ of queens, ledgers for textiles and jewels, chronicles of fortresses being born stone by stone. Scholars, students, or those with a thirst for history’s whispers are welcomed to this space—a living repository where the echoes of an era await to be understood, revisited, and shared.
CSMVS Museum
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, stands as a testament to Mumbai's rich cultural tapestry. Established in the early 20th century, this museum is a sanctuary where history, art, and heritage converge. Its Indo-Saracenic architecture, adorned with Mughal, Maratha, and Jain influences, mirrors the diverse narratives housed within. The museum's vast collection, encompassing over 50,000 artifacts, spans from ancient Indian relics to treasures from distant lands. Notable among its holdings are the illustrated manuscripts of the Kalpasutra and Kalakacharya Katha, dating back to 1375 CE, which offer a glimpse into the spiritual and artistic endeavours of Jain culture. Additionally, the museum's conservation department, established in 2008, plays a pivotal role in preserving these invaluable pieces, ensuring that the stories of the past continue to inspire future generations. CSMVS is not merely a repository of artifacts; it is a living narrative of India's multifaceted heritage, inviting visitors to traverse time and immerse themselves in the tales that have shaped the subcontinent.
Readily available
resources!
The Asiatic Society, Kolkata, publishes digitised pictures from their archives of a manuscript a day, readily available for anyone to see.
The Tatvabodha, issued by the National Mission for Manuscripts, is a 9 volume series published in 2006 of various lectures related to manuscripts. It includes lectures by Lokesh Chandra, Kapila Vatsyayan, R. Champakalakshmi, G. N. Devy, Namwar Singh, Irfan Habib, Sheldon Pollock, M. S.
The Rare Book Society of India is an online platform that provides free access to a vast collection of historical Indian books, manuscripts, and documents. It promotes the preservation and exploration of India's literary and cultural heritage.
The Indian Culture portal's Manuscripts section provides access to over 8,700 ancient manuscripts in various languages, covering diverse subjects and sourced from renowned Indian institutions, showcasing India's rich literary heritage.
The Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute
The Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI), established in 1917 in Pune, serves as a beacon of India's rich scholarly heritage. Named after the esteemed Indologist Ramakrishna Gopal Bhandarkar, the institute is dedicated to the preservation and study of ancient manuscripts and rare texts. Its vast collection encompasses over 125,000 books and approximately 29,510 manuscripts, covering a wide array of subjects from Vedic literature to classical arts. Among its most treasured holdings are the Rigveda manuscripts, which have been recognised by UNESCO's Memory of the World Register for their historical significance. BORI's commitment to research is further exemplified by its publication of the 'Annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute,' a journal that disseminates scholarly work in the field of Indology.Through its meticulous conservation efforts and academic contributions, BORI continues to illuminate the depths of India's ancient wisdom, offering scholars and enthusiasts a profound connection to the past.
K.R. Cama Oriental Institute
The K. R. Cama Oriental Institute, established in 1916, is a renowned research institution located near Lion Gate in Mumbai's Fort area. Founded to honour Kharshedji Rustomji Cama, a distinguished Oriental scholar and social reformer, the institute is dedicated to the study and preservation of Oriental studies, with a particular focus on Zoroastrianism and Iranian studies. The institute houses an extensive library comprising rare manuscripts, books, and periodicals that serve as invaluable resources for scholars and researchers. In addition to its archival collections, the K. R. Cama Oriental Institute regularly organizes lectures, seminars, and workshops aimed at promoting academic discourse and cultural understanding. For those interested in visiting or conducting research, the institute is situated at 136, Bombay Samachar Marg, Fort, Mumbai. It operates from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and remains closed on weekends and public holidays.