Three major works of India’s literary and intellectual heritage—Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, the Mahabharata and Kautilya’s Arthashastra—have been included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Regional Register for Asia and the Pacific.

More About the News

• The decision was taken during the 11th session of the regional register held in Jakarta, Indonesia. 
• With these additions, India’s total number of inscriptions in the regional register has increased to six.
• The announcement was made by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).

What is UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme?

• • The Memory of the World Programme was launched by UNESCO in 1992 to protect and promote documentary heritage.
  • Documentary heritage includes manuscripts, historical records, rare books, maps, photographs, audio-visual materials and other valuable documents that preserve the collective memory of humanity.

• Its major objectives are:

• • Preservation: To protect valuable documentary materials from deterioration, destruction and loss.
  • Accessibility: To improve public access to documentary heritage through digitisation and other preservation methods.
  • Awareness: To increase understanding of the historical, cultural and intellectual importance of documentary records.
  • International cooperation: To encourage countries and institutions to work together to preserve shared human heritage.

The programme recognises documentary heritage at different levels, including the International Register and regional registers such as the Asia-Pacific Register.

Three Indian Works and Their Significance

1. Rajatarangini – A Historical Account of Kashmir

• Rajatarangini was written by Kalhana, a 12th-century Kashmiri historian and Sanskrit scholar.
• The work was composed in Sanskrit around 1148–1150 CE.
• Its name means “River of Kings” and it narrates the history of Kashmir’s rulers and dynasties.
• It is particularly significant because Kalhana attempted to present historical events through chronological narration, literary sources and critical examination of earlier accounts.
• It provides valuable information about Kashmir’s political history, society, culture and traditions.

1. Mahabharata – An Epic of Dharma and Human Values

• The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of India, traditionally attributed to Maharishi Ved Vyasa.
• It narrates the conflict between the Kauravas and Pandavas and the larger struggle over power, duty and righteousness.
• The epic explores Dharma, Karma, justice, loyalty, family relationships, moral dilemmas and the responsibilities of individuals.
• The Bhagavad Gita, a philosophical dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, forms an important part of the Mahabharata.
• Beyond literature, it has influenced Indian philosophy, religion, performing arts and cultural traditions.

1. Arthashastra – A Treatise on Governance and Statecraft

• The Arthashastra is traditionally attributed to Kautilya, also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta.
• It is an ancient Sanskrit treatise dealing with state administration, political economy, diplomacy, taxation, law, military organisation and security.
• It explains the responsibilities of the ruler and the importance of an organised administrative system.
• The text discusses the Saptanga Theory of the State, which identifies seven essential elements of a state: Swami (king), Amatya (ministers), Janapada (territory and population), Durga (fort), Kosha (treasury), Danda (army or coercive authority) and Mitra (ally).
• It remains an important source for understanding ancient Indian political thought and administrative practices.

Role of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)

The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

• It works towards the preservation, documentation and promotion of India’s art and cultural heritage.
• It undertakes research on manuscripts, literature, traditional knowledge systems and cultural practices.
• It contributed to preparing the nomination dossiers for the three works included in the regional register.

Exam Hook: Key Takeaway

• UNESCO programme: Memory of the World Programme, launched in 1992.
• Regional recognition: Memory of the World Regional Register for Asia and the Pacific.
• Venue of the 11th session: Jakarta, Indonesia.
• Three newly recognised works: Rajatarangini, Mahabharata and Arthashastra.
• Authors: Kalhana, traditionally Ved Vyasa and Kautilya, respectively.
• India’s total regional inscriptions: Six, as reported in the news.
• Indian institution involved: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).

One-line wrap: The recognition of Rajatarangini, the Mahabharata and the Arthashastra highlights India’s contribution to world documentary heritage through its rich traditions of history, philosophy and political thought.