In a momentous achievement, three iconic Indian literary works, namely the Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana, have been added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register.
This prestigious inclusion serves as a testament to India’s rich literary heritage and cultural prominence on the global stage.
These timeless classics, authored by Acharya Anandvardhan, Pt. Vishnu Sharma, and Goswami Tulsidas, respectively, hold immense significance in shaping Indian literature and moral ethos. Their enduring legacy transcends geographical boundaries, captivating readers and artists worldwide.
Ramcharitmanas, composed by the 16th-century Indian poet Goswami Tulsidas, is a poem written in Awadhi. The title translates to “The Lake of the Deeds of Rama,” with Tulsidas likening its seven parts to steps leading into the holy waters of Mansarovar. This poetic retelling focuses on the narrative of Rama, the crown prince of Ayodhya, and is also known as Tulsikrit Ramayan or The Ramayan of Tulsidas.
The Panchatantra, attributed to Pandit Vishnu Sharma, is a collection of interwoven tales in prose and poetry, predominantly featuring animal fables. Compiled in both Sanskrit (Hindu) and Pali (Buddhist), scholars generally place their origins around the 3rd century BCE, with roots in even older oral traditions. Despite its ancient origins, the Panchatantra continues to endure through cross-cultural adaptations, translations, and mutations, retaining its popularity as a beloved literary work, particularly among storytellers.
Sahṛdayāloka-Locana, authored by Acharya Anandvardhan, serves as a Sanskrit commentary on the Dhvanyaloka, a seminal work in Indian literary theory by Anandavardhana. This commentary delves into the principles of aesthetic experience and literary interpretation, with a particular emphasis on the concept of suggestion (dhvani) in poetry.
The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) played a pivotal role in securing this historic recognition during the 10th meeting of the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP).
Led by Prof. Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Dean (Administration) & In charge, UNESCO MoW Nodal Centre, IGNCA successfully advocated for including these literary treasures, highlighting India’s commitment to cultural preservation and propagation.
“This achievement is a testament to India’s commitment to preserving and sharing its cultural legacy with the world,” remarked Prof. Gaur.
“These inscriptions not only honour our past but also pave the way for increased awareness and engagement with the Memory of the World Programme in India.”
Further, this milestone underscores IGNCA’s dedication to safeguarding India’s cultural legacy and promoting global cultural diversity. It also marks the first instance of IGNCA submitting nominations to the Regional Register, enhancing India’s presence in the international cultural landscape.
Following rigorous deliberations and endorsement by the Register Subcommittee (RSC), the unanimous approval of these nominations underscores their profound historical and cultural significance, dating back to times preceding the establishment of the Register in 2008.
The UNESCO Memory of the World Register is part of an international initiative launched by UNESCO in 1992 to safeguard the documentary heritage of humanity.
The inclusion of these ancient Indian literary masterpieces in the register signifies their outstanding universal significance and their profound contribution to the collective heritage of humanity.
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