Rajatarangini enters UNESCO Memory of the world register

Srinagar, Nov 6: Kashmir’s rich historical and literary heritage has received international recognition with the 12th-century Sanskrit chronicle Rajatarangini, authored by Kalhana, being included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register.
The manuscript, preserved at the Oriental Research Library in the Sri Pratap Singh Library Complex in Srinagar, was among three Indian documentary works selected during the 11th session of UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register held in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The Union Ministry of Culture announced the inscription through the Press Information Bureau. The other two works recognised alongside Rajatarangini are the Mahabharata manuscript preserved at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute in Pune and Kautilya’s Arthashastra, housed at the Oriental Research Institute in Mysuru.
Written in Sanskrit in the 12th century, Rajatarangini is regarded as one of the most significant historical accounts of Kashmir. Authored by Kalhana, the chronicle documents the region’s rulers, successive dynasties, political developments and social conditions across centuries, offering an extensive account of Kashmir’s past.
The work is particularly noted for its historical approach, with Kalhana drawing upon earlier accounts and available sources while examining the rise and fall of rulers and political developments. Its narrative extends from Kashmir’s legendary origins to the reign of King Jayasimha during Kalhana’s lifetime.
The recognition also brings international attention to the Oriental Research Library in Srinagar, which has preserved the historic manuscript as part of Kashmir’s documentary heritage.
The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) assisted in preparing the nomination dossiers for all three Indian works, officials said.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha welcomed the inscription of Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, the Mahabharata and the Arthasastra in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register, describing it as a proud moment for Jammu and Kashmir and the nation.
In a post on X, Lietuenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the inclusion of Rajatarangini celebrated Jammu and Kashmir’s rich intellectual heritage.
He said the global recognition reaffirmed the timeless value of India’s civilisational traditions and their contribution to humanity.
The Lieutenant Governor said the recognition also highlighted the collective responsibility to preserve and promote this invaluable wisdom for future generations.
Welcoming the recognition, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated the people of the Union Territory, saying the inscription of the manuscript on UNESCO’s regional register was a matter of pride.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said the manuscript, preserved at the Oriental Research Library in Srinagar, was an invaluable repository of Kashmir’s historical and cultural traditions.
He said the international recognition celebrated Jammu and Kashmir’s historical legacy and underlined the importance of preserving its rich heritage.
Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also described the inscriptions as a significant recognition of India’s documentary and intellectual heritage.
With the latest additions, India’s total number of inscriptions on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register has increased to six.
The three earlier entries, recognised in 2024, include illustrated manuscripts of Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas, a rare manuscript of the Panchatantra and Sahrdayaloka-Locana, a significant work on Indian poetics.
The latest inscription places Kalhana’s chronicle among the region’s important historical and intellectual works, recognising its contribution to documenting Kashmir’s past. (KNO)