300-year-old handwritten manuscripts damaged in Assam floods: Experts battle fungal growth to save them

As floodwaters recede in parts of Assam, conservation experts are working against time to preserve centuries-old handwritten manuscripts damaged by water and fungal growth at the historic Gajala Satra in Medhijan village, Sivasagar district.

A team from Gauhati University has launched an emergency conservation effort to restore rare manuscripts written on sanchi leaves, some of which are believed to be more than 300 years old. The priceless texts, regarded as an important part of Assam's literary and Vaishnavite heritage, were submerged during recent floods and are now at risk of irreversible deterioration.

According to The Times of India (TOI), the restoration work began on Saturday and the team completed treatment of 38 priority manuscripts by Monday.

Rare Vaishnavite manuscripts among those damaged

The damaged collection includes several sacred Vaishnavite texts estimated to be between 250 and 300 years old.

Among them are handwritten copies of Kirtan, Dasham, Namghosa, Bhakti Ratnawali, Bhakti Premawali, Ramayan, Vyakhyashram Kathasar, Gopal Atar Charit and Adi Charit.

According to the conservation team, the manuscripts were created long before the printing press reached Assam and represent an invaluable part of the state's religious, cultural and literary history.

Several manuscripts preserved by families traditionally associated with the satra have also been affected by the flooding.

Experts battle flood damage and fungal growth

The conservation work is being carried out by Medini Mohan Gogoi, Scientific Officer (Indian Knowledge System) at Gauhati University's Centre for Southeast Asian Studies, along with archival assistant Dhanjit Talukdar from the university's KK Handiqui Library.

Speaking to TOI, Gogoi described the emotional impact of the flood on the local community.

"Water flooded suddenly and people were running to save their lives, while these manuscripts got submerged. People were crying after seeing the manuscripts when they came to the satra after the water receded."

He said the manuscripts had suffered damage from muddy floodwater as well as fungal growth.

"The manuscripts were partially damaged by muddy floodwaters and fungal growth. We have treated all 38 priority manuscripts since Saturday, but it is a long process, and restoring them to their original form is a major challenge."

300-year-old Ramayana among the oldest manuscripts

According to the report, some of the oldest manuscripts discovered at the satra include a handwritten Ramayana believed to be more than 300 years old, along with a 263-year-old copy of the Kirtan and an equally old handwritten Dasham, based on the Bhagavata.

These manuscripts were written on traditional sanchi leaves by skilled scribes and are considered rare examples of Assam's manuscript tradition.

The Medhijan Gajala Satra, established during the reign of Ahom King Lakshmi Singha in the 18th century, remains one of the state's important Vaishnavite institutions.

Scientific restoration follows national conservation guidelines

According to TOI, the restoration work follows conservation protocols laid down by the National Mission for Manuscripts and INTACH.

Each manuscript page is carefully separated, cleaned and treated using specialised antifungal solutions to prevent further deterioration.

Explaining the biggest challenge, Gogoi told TOI: "We are primarily carrying out antifungal treatment because fungal growth is the biggest threat after the flooding. The manuscript pages became stuck together almost like they were glued after remaining submerged in water, making the restoration process extremely delicate."

Rescue mission launched after appeal to save Assam's heritage

The conservation effort was initiated after Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi highlighted the damage to the manuscript collection.

The appeal prompted Gauhati University Vice-Chancellor Prof Nani Gopal Mahanta and Registrar Prof Utpal Sarma to immediately deploy a specialist conservation team to the flood-hit monastery.

While the initial restoration of the priority manuscripts has been completed, experts say preserving the remaining collection will require sustained conservation efforts, as many fragile texts continue to face the long-term effects of flood damage and fungal infestation.


Inputs from TOI