UNIQUE PALM-LEAF REPOSITORY IN CALICUT UNIVERSITY

[Guest guest]

The Department of Malayalam and Kerala Studies of the University of

Calicut has recently thrown open to the students,researchers and

general public a major repository of traditional manusripts of

invaluable information it gathered from various sources across the

state over so many years of constant and laborious efforts. The

repository named after Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the father of

Malayalam language is unique and rare in various aspects. The

Thunchan Manuscripts Repository has 12045 palm-leaf manuscripts

copies of 3250 individual works in 5037 codices, a rare collection

of such huge manuscripts by any institution.

 

The manuscripts contain writings on traditional medicinal practises

followed centuries ago, various sanskrit writings, ancient scholars,

physicians, saints and mantras. Collections of huge volumes of

scripts on toxicology, astrology and ayurveda, the traditional

herbal medicine are also aplenty in the repository. The repository

is all set to pave the way for new studies and research in these

areas of traditional subjects.

 

The repository is now in the process of being digitalised, which

will protect the rare and worthy information dating back to

centuries forever. The laudable efforts and ventures of the

Malayalam Department under the dynamic leadership of Dr.P.M.

Vijayappan, Head of the Department to make the repository a vibrant

and excellent centre will lead to advanced studies and research in

ancient literature and sciences .

 

pramod +91 9447446169