The public are perhaps aware of the fact that the Government of Madras have launched upon a scheme of publication of rare manuscripts treasured in two premier institutions of this State, namely, the Madras Government Oriental Manuscripts Library, Madras, and the Tanjore Maharaja Serfoji's Sarasvathi Mahal Library, Tanjore. Financial help has also been extended to Dr. U. V. Swaminatha Iyer Library, Adyar, Madras, for similar purpose. Though the publication of rare manuscripts was started as early as 1909 by this library, only 12 works were taken up for publication till 1942. Of these, the printing of three works has not yet been completed.
Only in the year 1949-50 a regular scheme for the publication of manuscripts was prepared and accepted by the Government of Madras under the Madras Government Oriental Series. This scheme included the manuscripts in all the South Indian Languages in which there are manuscripts in the library. Till now 158 manuscripts in different languages have been printed. Of these, 35 manuscripts are from Tanjore Maharaja Serfoji's Sarasvathi Mahal Library, Tanjore, and 3 from Dr. U. V. Swaminatha Iyer Library, Adyar. In addition, 4 manuscripts, 3 from this library and one from Dr. U. V. Swaminatha Iyer Library, Adyar, are in the press.
All the manuscripts under the Madras Government Oriental Series were edited by various scholars drawn from different learned institutions. The publication of manuscripts under the Madras Government Oriental Manuscripts Series was resumed in the year 1950-51. All the manuscripts published under this series before 1942 were in Sanskrit. But since 1950-51 the manuscripts in other languages also were included. These are edited by the Curator with the assistance of the Pandits in the respective languages. Till now 60 works have been printed including 51 works since 1951.
The Government of India also have decided upon a programme of printing rare and useful manuscripts in the different languages of India. For this purpose the Ministry of Scientific Research and Cultural Affairs have come forward with grants-in-aid for some of the manuscripts libraries maintained by the State Governments and also for certain reputed private libraries.
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist