Patna: A unique exhibition showcasing Bihar’s rich intellectual and cultural heritage opened on Monday at the Archives Building, Patna, organized jointly by the Bihar State Archives Directorate, Khwaja Baksh Oriental Library, and Bihar Museum. Titled “Bihar’s Intellectual Tradition: Manuscripts, Paintings, and Inscriptions,” the exhibition featured five rare illustrated manuscripts on Buddha and other sages, capturing the attention of scholars, students, and art enthusiasts alike.
Exhibition Highlights Intellectual Heritage of Bihar
The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr. Krishna Kumar, Director of the Department of Art and Culture, who emphasized that the event was part of the National Manuscript Survey Program under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Mohd. Faisal Abdullah, Director of Archives, noted that the exhibition will help the public connect with Bihar’s intellectual traditions while promoting the preservation of rare manuscripts, paintings, and inscriptions.
Digital Archive of 72 Manuscripts Across 36 Themes
The exhibition included 72 digital manuscripts covering 36 themes, allowing visitors to explore Bihar’s scholarly contributions across various disciplines. Some manuscripts uniquely combined multiple themes, such as:
- Tantra and Life
- History and Tantra
- Prayer and Life
- Poetry and History
- Philosophy and Religion
- Grammar and Religion
This thematic diversity reflects the depth and richness of Bihar’s manuscript tradition.
Rare and Historical Manuscripts on Display
Several notable manuscripts were showcased, including:
- Bhagavat Purana (1748) – rare illustrated folios
- Sufi poetry work “Padmavat” (1669–70)
- Shri Stotra (c. 1830–50) – with illustrations of Maharishi Vedavyas, Hanuman, and Ardhanarishwar
- Shrimad Bhagavad Gita (1797) – depiction of Krishna teaching Arjuna
- Ramayana (1778) – illustrations of Rama, Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, and Shatrughna
Additionally, official British correspondence from the 1857 Revolt was on display, including court orders, punishments, imprisonments, death sentences, and execution certificates in Urdu, providing insights into Bihar’s colonial history.
Bihar’s Vast Manuscript Collection
Patna Museum’s Bihar Research Society houses nearly 10,000 ancient manuscripts, including those brought from Tibet by Mahapandit Mahamahopadhyay Rahul Sankrityayan. These collections showcase the state’s historical engagement with Buddhism, literature, and scholarly pursuits.
Scholars and Students Attend in Large Numbers
The exhibition was attended by notable scholars and officials, including Ranveer Singh Rajput, Ashok Kumar Sinha, Sunil Kumar Jha, Mohd. Asgar, and Rana Sujit Kumar TunTun. The program was organized successfully with contributions from Uday Kumar Thakur (Assistant Director Archives), Dr. Rashmi Kiran, Dr. Bharti Sharma, Dr. Sharda Sharan, Ramkumar Singh, Dr. Pallavi Anand, Sarfaraz Alam, and others.
Students from J.D. Women’s College, Patna, also participated in large numbers, reflecting the exhibition’s educational importance.
Preserving Bihar’s Manuscript and Artistic Heritage
The exhibition not only highlighted Bihar’s Buddhist intellectual tradition but also reinforced the importance of manuscript preservation and digital archiving. By combining rare manuscripts, illustrated folios, and historical records, the exhibition offered visitors an immersive experience into Bihar’s scholarly and artistic legacy.
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