233-Year-Old Valmiki Ramayana Manuscript Gifted to Ayodhya Museum

The manuscript, previously loaned to Rashtrapati Bhavan, has now been permanently gifted to the Antarrashtriya Ram Katha Sangrahalaya (International Ram Katha Museum), Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

University Vice Chancellor Shrinivasa Varakhedi handed over the manuscript authored by Adi Kavi Valmīki with a classical commentary (ṭika) by Maheshvara Tīrtha, which is written in Sanskrit (Devanagari script).

Misra said, "Donation of this rare manuscript of Valmiki Ramayana to Ram Katha Sangrahalaya at Ayodhya is a landmark moment for the devotees of Ram and the temple complex at Ayodhya."

Misra, Chairman of the Ram Temple Construction Committee, is spearheading the transformation of Ayodhya's Ram Katha Sangrahalaya into a modern, immersive museum, blending ancient heritage with technology to narrate Lord Ram's life, Ayodhya's significance, and the global impact of the Ramayana.

The manuscript is a historically significant work dating to Vikrama Samvat 1849 (1792 CE) and represents a rare preserved textual tradition of the Rāmayaṇa, said a statement.

The collection comprises five principal kaṇḍas of the epic - Balakaṇḍa, Araṇyakaṇḍa, Kiṣkindhakaṇḍa, Sundarakaṇḍa, and Yuddhakaṇḍa - reflecting the narrative and philosophical depth of the Itihasa, said the statement.

Varakhedi said, "This gift immortalises the profound wisdom of Valmiki Ramayana, making it accessible to scholars, devotees, and visitors worldwide in the sacred city of Ayodhya."

This significant gesture supports the museum's development as a global centre for Ramayaṇa heritage, ensuring wider public access and preservation, said a statement.

The Ramkatha Museum was established in 1988 at the Tulsi Smarak Bhavan in Ayodhya to collect and preserve artefacts related to Ram Katha, including illustrated manuscripts, sculptures, Ram Leela, and other related art forms.

The museum aims to safeguard the archaeological remains, rare cultural heritage, and display the arts of the Ayodhya region.

As of now, the museum has amassed 971 artworks, with 170 of these displayed in its galleries.

The exhibited collection includes 61 stone sculptures, 40 clay artefacts, 3 ivory pieces, 3 wooden items, 30 metal objects, 9 textile materials, and 21 art pieces from Thailand. Additionally, the museum features 19 temporary exhibits from Thailand and 88 paintings from art exhibitions. The artworks are displayed on showcases, pedestals, and display boards.

The museum has also created and exhibited fibre replicas of ancient stone sculptures of Ram, Lava, and Kush, originally housed in the National Museum, New Delhi.

A reference library dedicated to history, art, culture, and Ram Katha has been established in the museum for students, researchers, and art enthusiasts. The library has compiled approximately 750 reference books.

Under educational activities, a painting exhibition on Ram Katha was organised in April and an exhibition of Ram Katha paintings in July, according to Uttar Pradesh government's Culture Department.

- IANS