Dibrugarh University has launched a major online archive of rare Sanchipat manuscripts, making thousands of pages of Assam’s literary and cultural heritage accessible to researchers, students and the public.

The archive was launched on October 6, 2026, during programmes marking the birth centenary of noted Assamese poet Nabakanta Barua.

What Does the Archive Contain?

• Around 53,275 pages of rare Sanchipat manuscripts preserved at the university’s Leela Gogoi Memorial Manuscript Museum have been digitised and uploaded.
• The collection contains manuscripts written in Assamese, Tai and Sanskrit, reflecting the region’s diverse linguistic and intellectual traditions.
• Another 72,867 pages of rare books from the personal library of renowned critic Mahendra Bora have also been digitised.
• The digital archive was developed through a Memorandum of Understanding between Dibrugarh University and the Nanda Talukdar Foundation.

Why is Sanchipat Important?

• Sanchipat refers to traditional Assamese manuscripts prepared from the processed bark of the sanchi tree. 
• For centuries, such manuscripts were used to preserve religious texts, literature, historical accounts, genealogies and knowledge traditions.
• Digitisation is particularly important because physical manuscripts are vulnerable to humidity, insects, fire, deterioration and repeated handling.

Objectives and Significance

The archive seeks to:

• Ensure long-term preservation of fragile manuscripts through high-quality digital copies.
• Make rare materials accessible to scholars irrespective of geographical location.
• Support research into Assamese literature, history, languages, religion and society.
• Promote Assam’s manuscript traditions as part of India’s wider intangible cultural heritage.

The initiative aligns with the broader national emphasis on digitisation and preservation of cultural heritage, including efforts under the National Mission for Manuscripts, which seeks to identify, document, conserve and make India’s manuscript heritage accessible.

Exam Hook: Key Takeaway

The Dibrugarh University archive shows how digitisation can convert fragile regional manuscripts into a globally accessible knowledge resource while preserving Assam’s literary and cultural memory.

Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements:

1. Sanchipat manuscripts are associated with Assam’s traditional manuscript culture.
2. The Dibrugarh University archive contains manuscripts in Assamese, Tai and Sanskrit.
3. The National Mission for Manuscripts focuses on the preservation and documentation of India’s manuscript heritage.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

One-line wrap: By digitising fragile Sanchipat manuscripts, Dibrugarh University is turning Assam’s traditional knowledge heritage into an accessible resource for future generations.