Youngsters in Hyderabad had the opportunity to explore various types of manuscripts as part of a special event called “museum visits their college.” The exhibition showcased palm leaves, original paintings, handwritten texts, and early printed texts of archaeological and historical significance. This allowed students to gain insights into the centuries-old practice of documentation and preservation.
Around 40 students from the college’s Heritage Club actively participated in explaining the significance of the displayed manuscripts. The event was organized by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) in collaboration with the Manuscript Oriental Library at Osmania University and the Salar Jung Museum.
Members of the club emphasized the importance of preserving historical records and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn about history within their college campus. One student, Sai Bhargav, who enjoys making sketches of Hindu gods, highlighted the convenience of having access to such knowledge without having to visit a museum.
During the event, J Satyanarayana, from the TS Government Oriental Manuscripts Library and Research Institute, explained that they exhibited two types of manuscript paper and palm leaves. Some of these palm leaves were 350 years old, while the printed texts were 150 years old. The language used in these manuscripts was mainly Sanskrit and Telugu, with a focus on religious texts. While some authors were identified, others remained anonymous.
The Salar Jung Museum provided specimens of SiyahQulamDeccani School paintings, which showcased the culture of that time period. Dr K Meena Rani, the coordinator of the Heritage Club, highlighted the intricate details in these paintings that were created out of curiosity.
Anuradha Reddy, the convener of INTACH (Hyderabad chapter), who organized the program, expressed that the aim was to encourage youth to understand the importance of heritage. She also mentioned plans to digitize relevant manuscripts from the Deccani region and local areas for future events. The introduction of illustrated manuscripts in this exhibition aimed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of different categories of manuscripts. The organizers hope to conduct similar events in other educational institutions in the future.
