Experts Call for Immediate Action to Protect Manipur’s Endangered Manuscripts

A one-day workshop on manuscript conservation was held today at the State Central Library Hall, Keishampat, underscoring the pressing need to protect Manipur’s vast collection of historical documents. The event was organised by the Directorate of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur, in collaboration with the National Archives of India (NAI), New Delhi.

Retired IAS officer and former Commissioner of Art & Culture, Shri R.K. Nimai, attended as Chief Guest and also launched a new website. In his keynote address, he highlighted the immense value of ancient manuscripts, many of which date back to the era of Maharaja Pamheiba and were written on paper, bark, and cloth. Calling archival materials “priceless and irreplaceable,” he urged immediate steps to safeguard them.

He expressed concern over the loss of genuine historical records, citing how Tibetan and Mongolian histories were extensively documented by outsiders. He also cautioned that rare manuscripts and sketches—such as late 19th-century depictions of Kangla—are in danger of disappearing without proper conservation.

Deputy Director of NAI, Shri Naoroibam Raju Singh, spoke on best practices in digital and physical record management in India and abroad. He highlighted emerging challenges, including colour and texture degradation, and discussed the growing influence of social media and artificial intelligence in modern archival systems. Stressing community involvement, he said many manuscripts remain in private hands and require collective responsibility for preservation.

Presiding over the event, Director of Art & Culture Shri K. Dinamani Singh said the workshop aimed to address concerns regarding thousands of manuscripts scattered across villages. He noted that over 5.87 lakh manuscripts have already been digitised, but many more remain vulnerable. He urged custodians and elders to allow proper study and handling of Puya manuscripts, warning that restricting their use may lead to their gradual fading from history.

During the technical sessions, experts shared insights on traditional and scientific preservation techniques. Shri P.K. Mishra, Scientific Officer, NAI, discussed strategies for manuscript conservation; Dr. Thingnam Sanjeev, Archivist, NAI, elaborated on the Public Records Act and its role in the appraisal and transfer of records; Shri Naoroibam Indramani Singh, former Microphotographist, spoke on traditional Puya preservation; and Shri Mutua Bahadur, Director of Mutua Museum, addressed methods for conserving stone facsimiles.

The workshop concluded with an interactive session focused on practical approaches to protecting Manipur’s rich archival heritage.