This list represents an almost 1% sample of the approximately 9000 Sanskrit and Bangla manuscripts, which highlights some endangered, rare, or unique parts of the collection. The sample includes a selection from traditional genres of Hindu literature such as grammar, mythology, astrology, poetry, medicine, rites and ceremonies, pilgrimage, worship, and prayer. While often representative of traditional genres, many of the selections represent regional examples of these or unique commentaries that are germane to Bangladesh and Bengali culture more broadly (to include West Bengal). The digitally collected manuscripts also include non-traditional works often viewed as "women's" religion such as the category of Pāñcālī, devotional works that cross boundaries between Hinduism and Islam. The collection also includes Picture Poems (Citrabandhakāvya), Sacred diagrams (yantras), and a wealth of scribal pictoral musings randomly found in a number of manuscripts and represent syles, patterns, and subjects common to the region. The date range of the original material copied is between 1700 and 1910. Specific dates are cited for individual items when available. 82 paper and 2 palm leaf manuscripts were copied. There was a total of 2,902 folios. Owner of original material: Mahesh Trust, in Comilla, Bangladesh.
Endangered Archives Programme
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