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What is the News?
The Ministry of Culture has taken up the project of reprinting 108 volumes of Mongolian Kanjur under the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM). Recently the Ministry announced that the reprinting of about 100 sets of Mongolian Kanjur will be completed by next year. These reprinted ones will be distributed in the main centres of Buddhism in Mongolia.
About Mongolian Kanjur:
- Firstly, Mongolian Kanjur is a Buddhist canonical text that has 108 volumes. It is considered to be the most important religious text in Mongolia.
- Secondly, in the Mongolian language ‘Kanjur’ means ‘Concise Orders’– the words of Lord Buddha in particular.
- Thirdly, regarding language, Mongolian Kanjur has been translated from Tibetan. The language of the Kanjur is Classical Mongolian.
- Fourthly, Importance: Mongolian Kanjur is held in high esteem by the Mongolian Buddhists. They worship the Kanjur at temples and recite the lines of Kanjur in daily life as a sacred ritual.
National Mission for Manuscripts(NMM):
- The National Mission for Manuscripts was established in February 2003, by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India.
- Objective: It aims to unearth and preserve the vast manuscript wealth of India. This will help India to connect its past with its future. It also helps to connect India’s memory with its aspirations.
- National Nodal Agency for the Mission: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, New Delhi.
What are Manuscripts?
- A manuscript is a handwritten composition on paper, bark, cloth, metal, palm leaf or any other material dating back at least seventy-five years. They also have significant scientific, historical or aesthetic value.
- Manuscripts are distinct from historical records such as epigraphs on rocks, firmans, revenue records. These historical records provide direct information on events or processes in history.
- Further, Lithographs and printed volumes are also not considered manuscripts.
Source: PIB
