RARE KANNADA MANUSCRIPTS

            There is a distinct bias in favour of literature, in our cultural studies. This bias has percolated to the collection, edition and publication of manuscripts also. This becomes an acute problem in the context of knowledge based texts. An inclination towards western scientific knowledge and the corresponding notion that indigenous knowledge is superstitious and untested has lead to a phenomenal loss of knowledge and information. Many palm-leaf and paper manuscripts languishing in our university libraries and religious institutions have never seen the light of the day, Individual families in possession of invaluable texts treat them as holy inheritance and are loath to part from them. Even the valuable works that were edited and published long ago, hardly get the opportunities for revised editions and reprints. Consequently, manuscripts on subjects such as veterinary sciences, gemology, architecture, toxicology and psychology never get the scrutiny they deserve from the experts in the related fields. In order to facilitate this, these manuscripts have to be edited, translated to modern Kannada prose as well as English in an attractive package.  We have provided a very short sample list of some such manuscripts with relevant details. A more complete data base will be available in the catalogues prepared by the concerned libraries and institutions.

  1.   ‘Bannantara Sutra’, 1002/k 132/1 suutra, prose; Rajaditya, Approx. 1120    A.D.  IBID
  2. ‘Rasashastra’   1401/k 447 Prose IBID
  3. ‘Rasasindhura maaduva krama’ (Alchemy) 1402/k 175/6; Prose IBID
  4. ‘Ratnashastra’, Gemology  1394/k b. 69 ; Vardhaka Shatpadi, Author-Cheluva, Approx. 1715 A.D. IBID
  5. ‘Mane kattuva lakshana’, ( Architecture) 1251/k  283/4 shloka teeku IBID 
  6. ‘Manovikara Nirasana’ (Treatment of mental illness) 1252/k 264 4 Ragale IBID
  7. ‘Pindotpatya’ (treatment of pregnant women) 901/k 391/2 IBID
  8. ‘Svapnadhyaya’ (Dreams: effects and treatment) 1992/svpnadhyayada teeku, Rangashastry Approx. 1815 A.D.  IBID
  9. ‘Vishachikitse’ 1572/k 439 1 (Shloka and Teeku) (From A descriptive catalogue of Kannada manuscripts, O.R.I. Mysore Currently IKS Mysore)
  10. ‘Yogada Rahasya’ ( 1380/ k. 322/2 Shloka and Teeku IBID)

11.  Chattisa Ganitha of Mahaviracharya written in 9th C.A.D. is and important manuscripts in the field of mathematical collection. The volume of work is about 9,000 Granthas. The work is Sanskrit Shlokas and Kannada commentary. This is copied in Shaka 1380(1458 A.D). (National Institute of Prakrit Studies and Research, Shravanabelagola)

12.  Thiloyapannathi of Yathivrishabhacharya a written in 6th C. A.D. on the three worlds according to Jain theory. This is Prakrit consisting of 3,006 Gathas or stazas. (National Institute of Prakrit Studies and Research, Shravanabelagola)

 

 

Further Readings and Links:

1.      GOVERNMENT ORIENTAL MANUSCRIPTS LIBRARY (GOML) MADRAS

2.      A catalogue of the Kannada, Badaga, and Kurg books in the library of the British Museum –

3.      Kannada Collection (At the British Library, London)

4.      Moodbidri I - National Informatics Centre, Hyderabad, AP (A Catalogue of 309 manuscripts in Moodabidri)

5.      Manuscript - Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute

 

 

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