Manuscript Literature and the Indian Support for CM. MCU’s Innovative Preservation

           Manuscript Literature and the Indian Support for CM. MCU’s Innovative Preservation

 

Phra Kkru Siriborommathatphitak, Assit.Prof.Dr.

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Abhirom Sridakam.

Phisit Kotsupho,

  CM. MCU, Thailand

phisittha@hotmail.com

 Abstract

All Southeast Asia Countries in the past times, had received the cultural heritage, namely the religious beliefs, Traditional customs, languages and literature, especially the Lanna Kingdom, the Northern part of Thailand inherited civilization from India since those times for example, the Doctrine of Brahmanism - Hinduism and Buddhism through literary teachings such as Jataka Tales, Folk Tales including the principles of governance and Ethical traditions.

The mentioned literary works, in ancient times, were inscribed or written in palm leaves or local papers. They were preserved in religious places such as temples or personal possessions having inherited from generations to generations. Particularly, the land of Lanna, there are many manuscripts related to Religious Doctrines, Cultures, Traditions and Literature are kept throughout Lanna Kingdom.  Around 1972 onwards, The Northern or Lanna Institutions had surveyed ancient Manuscripts in the Upper Northern and Lower Central Regions covered at least 17 provinces having found and preserved Manuscripts as the Collective Data of Ancient Lanna Manuscripts. There were not lesser than 6,000 Items, in counting as more than 20,000 bindings, and by pages are more than 700,000 pages.

Especially, these literatures have been categorized into 11 categories, such as Buddhism, Folk Tales, Traditional/Primitive Laws, Astrology, Ritual Cultures, and etc. In the literary section, which is an extension of religious Doctrine, there will be a type of Jataka Stories, Folk tales. These literatures have been handed down from generations to generations through proverbs, teachings or tales, from which these concepts were based on the main principles, influenced or inherited from Countries whose civilizations  are more prosperous than Countries in the South East Asia. That is to say, Thailand, especially, was influenced by Hindu teachings. Before the invasion of Buddhism, there will be at least the literary stories about Ramayana or Proverbs, such as the Vetala Tales, Hitopadesha and so on.

In addition, when Buddhism was accepted, literary works would be transmitted through Jataka stories, the past lives of the Buddha, his disciples, or ethical tales. Those came from India, such as the story of Phra Nala, the story of the Ratha and Meri, etc. The most influential and closest literary examples to Thai people are the Astrology, Prophecy. Lanna is even though as the resource of a large collection of Manuscripts like this, but it still not thoroughly be explored and organized systematically. If the time passes by, these Manuscripts will be damaged and lost. Therefore, in 2021 AD. the Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts (IGNCA), has signed the Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) between Chiang Mai Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University and National Mission for Manuscripts, Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts, New Delhi, India led by Dr. Sacchidananda Joshi, Director of IGNCA and Staffs.

By the coordination of Prof.Dr. Amajiva Lochan, and supported by Sir Suresh Soni, the Advisor of Mistry of Culture, Indian Government has provided  the most modernized Innovative Equipment Tools for  Digital Photocopying to MCU and installed at CM. MCU, Thailand.

Furthermore, in July 2022, the experts from NMM of IGNCA headed by Dr.Jha. were sent to train the necessary techniques of conservation systemize the  data  of the Manuscripts to  the staff of the CM. MCU about  2 weeks, until the staffs of the CM. MCU can  hand over to continue of the conservative works respectively following the objectives of  two Agencies successfully. 

Keywords:  Heritage, Lanna Manuscript,  Indian Support, Innovative Preservation.

 

Introduction

This article is the result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) between the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, New Delhi, India, and Chiang Mai Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (CM MCU), Chiang Mai Campus, Chiang Mai, Thailand. This collaborative project focuses on the survey, documentation, conservation, digitization, and online dissemination of Indic origin manuscripts preserved in Thailand. The initiative, formalized on April 25, 2022, aims to bridge scholarly resources and enhance the accessibility and preservation of invaluable cultural artifacts through a structured partnership between the two esteemed institutions This collaborative project focuses on the survey, documentation, conservation, digitization, and online dissemination of Indic origin manuscripts preserved in Thailand. The initiative, formalized on April 25, 2022. (MOU bet NMMม India and CM MCU,Thailand 2022 pp. 1-2).

Manuscripts of Indic origin hold significant cultural, historical, and scholarly value, representing centuries of intellectual tradition, religious discourse, and artistic expression. In the context of Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, these manuscripts offer a window into the region's historical interactions, religious exchanges, and cultural syncretism. However, many of these manuscripts face challenges related to preservation, accessibility, and scholarly engagement. The collaboration between NMM and CM MCU seeks to address these challenges comprehensively through a multifaceted approach that combines expertise, resources, and strategic planning.

The preservation of manuscripts is a critical aspect of safeguarding cultural heritage. Manuscripts, often fragile and susceptible to deterioration, require meticulous conservation efforts to ensure their longevity. Traditional conservation methods, while effective, can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. The integration of modern digitization techniques presents a transformative opportunity to not only preserve the physical manuscripts but also to create digital replicas that enhance accessibility for researchers and the global academic community. Digitization serves as a bridge between preservation and dissemination, enabling widespread access while minimizing physical handling that could contribute to wear and tear.

 

Scope of Preservation

The project's scope encompasses several key components: survey, documentation, conservation, digitization, and online dissemination. Each component plays a vital role in the holistic approach to manuscript preservation and accessibility. The initial survey phase involves identifying and cataloging the existing manuscripts, assessing their condition, and prioritizing conservation needs. Documentation entails creating detailed records of each manuscript, including metadata, provenance, and content summaries, which are essential for both preservation and scholarly research.

Conservation efforts focus on the physical stabilization of manuscripts, addressing issues such as material degradation, environmental damage, and biological threats. This phase is critical in preventing further deterioration and ensuring that manuscripts remain intact for future generations. Digitization complements conservation by creating high-resolution digital copies that preserve the content and facilitate broader access. The digitization process involves scanning manuscripts with specialized equipment, ensuring that digital replicas are both accurate and representative of the originals.

Online dissemination is the final component, which leverages digital platforms to make the digitized manuscripts accessible to a global audience. This aspect of the project democratizes access to knowledge, allowing scholars, researchers, and the interested public to engage with the manuscripts without geographical or physical constraints. The online platform serves as a repository where digital copies can be searched, viewed, and analyzed, fostering collaborative research and cross-cultural academic discourse.

The collaboration between NMM and CM MCU is underpinned by mutual objectives and complementary strengths. NMM brings extensive experience in manuscript preservation, capacity building, and digitization, having successfully implemented similar projects across various regions. Their expertise in establishing conservation laboratories and providing specialized training ensures that the technical aspects of the project are robust and sustainable. Additionally, NMM's commitment to digital preservation aligns with the project's goal of creating lasting digital archives.

CM MCU, on the other hand, offers strategic local support, including infrastructure, administrative resources, and manpower essential for the project's implementation in Thailand. The university's established presence and network within Chiang Mai facilitate effective coordination and engagement with local communities, monasteries, and institutions housing the manuscripts. CMMCU's role in providing a conducive environment for project activities underscores the importance of local collaboration in international preservation efforts.

The strategic significance of this collaboration extends beyond the immediate objectives of manuscript preservation and digitization. It represents a model of cross-border academic partnership that leverages shared resources and expertise to address common challenges in cultural heritage preservation. Such partnerships are essential in an increasingly interconnected world where cultural artifacts often transcend national boundaries, and their preservation requires collective effort and shared responsibility.

The project's anticipated outcomes are multifaceted. Firstly, it will result in a comprehensive digital archive of Indic origin manuscripts preserved in Thailand, serving as a valuable resource for academic research and cultural studies. The accessibility of these digital manuscripts will facilitate new avenues of inquiry, enabling comparative studies, interdisciplinary research, and enhanced scholarly communication. Secondly, the capacity building component will empower local scholars and conservationists with the skills and knowledge necessary to sustain preservation efforts independently, ensuring the project's long-term impact.

 

Preservative Operations

Furthermore, the establishment of a digitization laboratory at CMMCU, supported by NMM, represents a tangible investment in infrastructure that will benefit future projects and initiatives. The provision of digitization equipment and the training of local teams ensure that the university can continue to undertake similar projects, fostering a culture of preservation and digital scholarship within the institution.

The online dissemination platform will not only host the digitized manuscripts but also serve as an interactive tool for education and public engagement. By making these manuscripts accessible online, the project enhances public awareness of Thailand's rich Indic heritage and promotes cultural tourism. Educators and students can utilize the digital archives as primary sources for teaching and learning, thereby integrating cultural heritage into academic curricula and public consciousness.

The broader implications of this project are significant in the context of global cultural preservation efforts. As digital technologies continue to evolve, the methodologies employed in this collaboration can serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives worldwide. The integration of traditional conservation techniques with modern digitization practices exemplifies a comprehensive approach to heritage preservation that balances the preservation of physical artifacts with the democratization of knowledge through digital access.

Moreover, the project's focus on Indic origin manuscripts in Thailand highlights the historical and cultural interconnectedness of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. This intersection of cultures is reflected in various facets, including religion, language, art, and literature. By preserving and disseminating these manuscripts, the project contributes to a deeper understanding of the historical dynamics and cultural exchanges that have shaped the region's intellectual landscape.

In addition to its academic and cultural significance, the project underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges related to heritage preservation. Cultural artifacts, especially manuscripts, often require specialized knowledge and resources for their preservation and digitization. Collaborative efforts, such as the one between NMM and CMMCU, enable the pooling of expertise, sharing of best practices, and efficient utilization of resources, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of preservation initiatives.

The success of this collaboration hinges on several factors, including effective communication, mutual trust, and shared vision between the partnering institutions. The detailed terms outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding provide a clear framework for collaboration, delineating responsibilities, resource allocation, and mechanisms for conflict resolution. This structured approach ensures that both parties are aligned in their objectives and committed to the project's success.

Furthermore, the project's emphasis on capacity building and local empowerment aligns with contemporary trends in heritage preservation that prioritize sustainability and community involvement. By training local teams and providing the necessary infrastructure, the project fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among local stakeholders, ensuring that preservation efforts are not solely dependent on external expertise but are integrated into the local context.

The pilot project focusing on the conservation and digitization of specific Monastery Deposits of Lanna Manuscripts serves as a showcase for the entire initiative. This targeted approach allows for the demonstration of methodologies, identification of potential challenges, and refinement of processes before scaling up to encompass a broader range of manuscripts. The pilot project's success will provide valuable insights and lessons that can inform future phases of the project and similar initiatives elsewhere.

Conferences and workshops organized in collaboration with mutual interest subjects will further enhance the project's impact by fostering scholarly dialogue, facilitating knowledge exchange, and promoting the dissemination of research findings. These academic gatherings provide platforms for experts to share experiences, discuss advancements in conservation and digitization techniques, and explore new research opportunities arising from the digitized manuscripts.

Local hospitality extended to visiting experts plays a crucial role in strengthening the collaborative relationship between NMM and CMMCU. Regular interactions, periodic reviews, and face-to-face engagements ensure that the project remains on track, addresses emerging challenges promptly, and maintains the momentum necessary for achieving its objectives. Such interpersonal connections are invaluable in international collaborations, fostering a sense of partnership and shared commitment.

The preservation of copyright and intellectual property rights is another critical aspect addressed in the Memorandum of Understanding. By retaining the copyright of the manuscripts with the concerned individuals or institutions, the project respects the legal and ethical considerations surrounding cultural heritage artifacts. The requirement for specific permission from copyright holders before publication ensures that the rights of manuscript owners are upheld, thereby maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the preservation and dissemination efforts.

The duration and renewal terms of the Memorandum of Understanding provide a clear temporal framework for the collaboration, allowing for flexibility and continuity beyond the initial three-year term. The provision for mutual written consent for renewal ensures that the partnership can adapt to evolving circumstances and continue to address emerging needs in manuscript preservation and digitization.

In the event of disputes or differences arising during the execution of the agreement, the Memorandum of Understanding outlines a clear resolution mechanism involving consultation between key stakeholders from both institutions. This structured approach to conflict resolution underscores the commitment of both parties to maintaining a harmonious and productive collaboration, ensuring that challenges are addressed constructively and do not impede the project's progress.

 

Preservative Results

              The Manuscript Materials:

The palm leaf manuscripts are made from the leaves of the Talipot Palm (Corypha umbraculifera L.), favored in the Lan Na region for their ideal size and thickness. These leaves are flexible and resistant to breaking, processed by boiling, pressing, and cutting to uniform size. They are then inscribed using a pointed metal stylus called 'Lek Jarn' to create characters, a process known as 'Jarn Bai Larn.' Once the required number of leaves are completed or a manuscript is finished, they undergo a process called 'Loob Dam,(Blackish)' where they are coated with black lacquer made from various sources such as burnt rice husks, coconut shell charcoal powder, mixed with sesame oil or sometimes used engine oil. This lacquering technique ensures that the black lacquer adheres only to the inscribed characters due to the glossy surface of the palm leaves used for the manuscripts. Properly stored, these palm leaf manuscripts can last for centuries. Notable examples include the Tipitaka inscriptions at Wat Lai Hin, Tapha Sub-district, Ko Kha District, Lampang Province, which date back more than 542 years, inscribed in the year 2014 BE (counting up to 2566 BE). Similarly, at Wat Suan Dok, Suthep Sub-district, Muang District, Chiang Mai Province, during this survey and conservation effort, a collection of Tipitaka manuscripts, tied into bundles, aged 441 years, inscribed in 2125 BE.

The palm leaf manuscripts and folded books that have been made inevitably deteriorate over time, especially if they are not properly stored or cared for, leading to fast decay. Therefore, the exploration and preservation of ancient Manuscripts are highly necessary, as many of these Manuscripts contain important historical information, and some may be the only remaining evidence of their kind. Preserving the information from these primary sources and making it accessible to those interested in studying and researching them is of utmost importance in the work of surveying and conserving ancient Manuscripts.

Surveying Sources of Preserved Ancient Manuscripts

To acquire ancient Manuscripts for the processes of survey, conservation, registration, and duplication, it is necessary to request permission to access temples or other places where ancient Manuscripts are preserved. This may be in cases where there is a desire for the team to conduct a survey or where there is a likelihood that important or well-preserved ancient Manuscripts are stored and have not yet been surveyed. The process of surveying the sources of preserved ancient Manuscripts consists of 2 sub-steps:

                              1 Surveying temples or locations where ancient Manuscripts are stored requires prior consent from the owners of the Manuscripts. If the Manuscripts are kept in a temple, consent must be obtained from both the abbot and the temple committee. These individuals should be informed of all relevant details and the clear purpose of the survey. Additionally, arrangements should be made to ensure that the location for conducting the survey, registration, and conservation work is suitable and convenient.

 2 Assessing the Scope of Work involves counting the chests or containers used to store the Manuscripts, determining the total number of Manuscripts that need to be surveyed, and evaluating the condition of all the Manuscripts—whether they are in good shape or significantly damaged. This assessment will affect the time and budget required for the survey. Once the temple or location for the survey has been confirmed, the work plan and procedures must be aligned accordingly to ensure the smoothest possible workflow. This will also enable timely solutions should any issues arise.

Sorting Ancient Manuscripts

After selecting the temple or location for the survey, assessing the scope of work, and planning the workflow, the process moves to the sorting of ancient Manuscripts. This process consists of four steps:

Sorting the Types of Ancient Manuscripts

The first and essential task when beginning the survey is to sort the types of ancient Manuscripts. Many storage locations tend to keep various Manuscripts together in one place. Sorting them by type makes it easier to clean and categorize them. The types of ancient Manuscripts that need to be sorted include the following:

A. Palm Leaf Manuscripts : 

The general characteristics of palm leaf manuscripts were discussed earlier, but they can be further classified based on the size of the leaves:

                1.    Standard Leaf – This type of palm leaf manuscript is approximately 45–65 cm long and 4–6 cm wide. Each leaf typically contains 4–6 lines of inscription.

               2.    Short Leaf (Larn Korm) – These are shorter than standard leaves, usually about 10–20 cm long. The width and number of lines inscribed on the leaves are similar to the standard size.

             3.    Long Leaf – These palm leaf manuscripts are longer than 70 cm and wider than 7 cm. They can contain between 6 and 12 lines of inscription.

B. Folded Manuscripts (Pab Sa)

            There are two types of folded manuscripts as mentioned earlier: Pab Lun and Pab Hua. During surveys, these are generally found in smaller quantities compared to palm leaf manuscripts, so they can be grouped together.

C. Khoi Books or Ancient Thai Books    

            Khoi books are rare in the Lan Na region, where folded manuscripts are more commonly used for writing. The appearance of Khoi books and folded manuscripts is similar, but they differ in the materials used. Folded manuscripts are made from the bark of the Sa tree, while Khoi books are made from the bark of the Khoi tree. There are two types of Khoi books: white and black, named after the color of the Khoi paper used to make them.

D. Written Books

            Written books, or modern notebooks, are bound books with front and back covers, and lined pages. In this context, the focus is on written books that are over 50 years old and contain recorded information.

Categorizing Ancient Manuscripts

        Once the types of Manuscripts have been sorted, the next step is to categorize them to facilitate the registration process and the organization of Manuscripts into sets. The categorization follows the registration system used by the Lanna Center for Conservation and Research of Ancient Manuscripts at MCU Chiang Mai Campus, as described in section 5.1.

Arranging Manuscripts into Sets (for Palm Leaf Manuscripts

For palm leaf manuscripts, beyond sorting by category, it is essential to organize the Manuscripts into complete sets. Some palm leaf manuscripts are part of a Tham Kab or Tham Mat collection, meaning:    

    1. A single work inscribed across several bundles of palm leaves, which are later gathered into a set.

    2.  A single bundle of palm leaves containing one work, known as Tham Thon, which is also compiled into a set.

These manuscripts have distinctive features that allow for identification. During the survey, it is crucial to group dispersed bundles of the same manuscript into a single set, which can be determined by careful examination of each manuscript bundle.

Cleaning and Repairing

After sorting the ancient Manuscripts by type and category, the next step is to clean and repair them. Ancient Manuscripts that have been stored for long periods often accumulate dust, mold, stains, sticky residue, etc. Additionally, the Manuscripts themselves may have cracks, tears, fraying, or damaged binding threads. If left untreated, these conditions will cause the Manuscripts to deteriorate faster than normal. The cleaning and repair process depends on the type of document, as each requires different methods of conservation and restoration.

Registering in the Database

Once the previous steps have been completed, the next step is to register the Manuscripts in a database using registration forms. Two types of registration forms are used in the survey process: the registration form from the Lanna Center for Conservation and Research of Ancient Manuscripts at MCU Chiang Mai Campus, and the registration form from the National Mission for Manuscripts, under the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.

Making Copies
               Once each manuscript has been cleaned and recorded in the registration forms, the next step is to create digital copies of all the ancient Manuscripts. This is done for two main reasons:

1.    Most ancient Lanna Manuscripts are stored in various temples, which consider them to be ancient artifacts or sacred items. It is difficult to release these Manuscripts for external distribution like regular Manuscripts. Additionally, Manuscripts that have been stored for a long time often deteriorate over time. If the original Manuscripts are taken out for general use, their lifespan will be further shortened. To preserve and securely store the originals for long-term use, creating digital copies and storing them in an online database is the best option, allowing for unrestricted access to the content of these ancient Manuscripts as needed.

2. Publishing the Content of Ancient Manuscripts as Digital Copies in an Online Database Making digital copies of ancient Manuscripts available to the public is highly beneficial for researchers and scholars in various fields. Once the database of ancient Manuscripts, along with the digital copies, is published online, interested individuals can easily access the information without the need to contact temples or storage locations for the original Manuscripts, saving time and effort. This also confirms the source and ownership of the original Manuscripts.

For the copying of ancient Manuscripts, the research and conservation team utilized two high-resolution Book Eyes 5 scanners to create copies of the Manuscripts, including palm leaf manuscripts, folded manuscripts, and other significant old books. Additionally, five computers were provided to record copies and manage the online database. These resources were donated by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, as part of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Lanna Center for Conservation and Research of Ancient Manuscripts at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Chiang Mai Campus.

The process of copying ancient Manuscripts using the Book Eye 5 scanner allows for simultaneous scanning and trimming of the document pages. This capability helps organize the order of the scanned Manuscripts, making them easier to use, and allows for saving them in various file formats as needed. During the scanning process, at least two specialized staff members are present to operate the scanner and record the data onto a hard drive.

Results of the Ancient Manuscripts Survey

Palm Leaf Manuscripts
A list of palm leaf manuscripts that were surveyed at Wat Buppharam (Suan Dok):

No	The List Table	Amount		Year
		Bun	Pages	Local E.	BE.	CE
1	Samantapāsādikā	15	598	-	-	-
2	Sōdantakī	4	181	1170	2351	1808
3	Sōdantakī	4	156	1173	2354	1811
4	Vessantara Jātaka	15	320	-	-	-
5	Saṃyutta Nikāya	11	362	1236	2417	1874
6	Pathomsomphoothi, Pathamasambōdhi	4	184	-	-	-
7	Pācittī	6	231	-	-	-
8	Tam raa yaa	1	37	-	-	-
9	Tamnaan Yānagambhīra	1	88	1265	2446	1903
10	Tiṃsanipāta	1	44	944	2125	1582
11	Etadagga	4	240	1167	2348	1805
12	Saggāvatāra	6	286	1167	2348	1805
13	Paññāsa Nipāta	14	457	1263	2444	1901
14	Pārājika	15	706	1168	2349	1806
15	Abhidhamma Saṃginī	8	498	1171	2352	1809
16	Pācittī	11	452	1240	2421	1878
17	Cūḷavagga	20	816	1240	2421	1878
18	Saṃginī	13	548	1170	2351	1808
19	Pācittī	10	374	1158	2339	1796
20	Vessantara Jātaka	14	371	1162	2343	1800
21	Gāmaṇīcan	11	364	1316	2497	1954
22	Parivāra	14	497	-	-	-
23	Dukkanipāta	19	878	1167	2348	1805
24	Vinaya	5	235	-	-	-
25	Pārājika Kaṇḍha	4	164	-	-	-
26	Dhammapāda	7	297	1169	2350	1807
27	Vōhāra Saṃginī	9	453	1179	2360	1817
28	Mahāvipāka	3	122	1178	2359	1816
29	Mahāvagga	5	222	-	-	-
30	Pārājika	6	255	-	-	-
31	Pañcanipāta	7	337	1171	2352	1809
32	Saṃyutta Nigāya	10	336	1252	2433	1890
33	Pārājika	6	208	-	-	-
34	Mahāvagga	6	269	1168	2349	1806
35	Tiṃsanipāta	5	200	1162	2343	1800
36	Sāmaññabalasutta	5	208	-	-	-
37	Petavatthu	4	152	1179	2360	1817
Total		303	12,146

 

                    Folding Book

The Lists of Folding Book found in Wat Suan Dok

No	The List Table	pages
1	Kammaṭṭhāna	33
2	Yan tain itthii rak	27
3	Gāthā, Kham khuen khruu arcana	35
4	Itthii, Yan tain	26
5	Kham wai khruu khuen khruu	6
6	Yanta	16
7	Kammaṭṭhāna	32
8	Thaat phikaan, Yaa taang taang	70
9	Oong kaan phra chaw haa phra ong, Suut thorn	56
10	Yan tain taang taang	54
11	Manta, Gāthā	56
12	Yan tain taang taang	56
13	Yan tain puu chaa	34
14	Phor phayathi, kwaat phayathi, Kham corp pii	64
15	Kammavācā	54
16	Ānisaṃsa phaa kathin	49
17	Uppaguta	36
18	Ānisaṃsa bun hue taan chorm	15
19	Ānisaṃsa song khaw	14
20	Tam raa duu roek taang taang	70
21	Astrology	43
22	Astrology	120
23	Singchaiya	64
24	Astrology	75
25	Tamraa riak khwan chaang maa, Tamraa tat kam	52
26	Tipitaka ans Keng Tung	31
27	Pāli Dhammapāda	121
28	Yan tain	24
29	Ratana Sutta	185
30	Esōnō	107
31	Bot suat cet tamnaan	108
32	Saṃgaha	118
33	Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna	127
34	Vessantara Jātaka	343
35	Maṃgala, Cet tamnaan, Sip sorng tamnaan	50
36	Tamnaan saasanaa	114
37	Pāramī Nipāta	277
38	Tamraa duu wan dii	13
39	Kham ween thaan	21
	Total 39 Manuscripts with 1,137 pages

                                     All manuscripts are 341 Manuscripts with 13,283 pages

Remark

During this survey of ancient Manuscripts, we encountered manuscripts worthy of preservation and keep. Notably, the Tingsanibata Manuscript, inscribed in the year 944 BE (2125 BE or 1582 CE), is the oldest manuscript discovered in this survey. Another significant find is the Ñanagambhira Manuscript, which narrates the journey of Phra Ñanagambhira to Sri Lanka to study Buddhism and subsequently brouth that knowledge back to Chiang Mai. This document is highly important for Buddhist historical studies, as it details the dates of various events that took place in great details.

Budgetary Issues in the Operation

The operation of surveying and preserving ancient Manuscripts requires a substantial budget to achieve the objectives and produce quality results. However, currently, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Chiang Mai Campus, relies on funding from the International Buddhism Center project, which  a limited budget that is insufficient for the operations. Furthermore, there are many repositories of ancient Manuscripts in The Northern Part of Thailand that have yet to be surveyed and preserved, putting important Manuscripts at risk of deterioration and loss. These Manuscripts kept significant knowledge across various fields, including traditional medicine, history, Buddhism, cultural practices, literature, ethics, and ancient law. Therefore, it is imperative to expedite the surveying and preservation efforts, which necessitates a considerable budget for the operations with the new innovative Technology.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the collaboration between the National Mission for Manuscripts and Chiang Mai Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University represents a significant stride towards the Innovative preservation and accessibility of Indic origin manuscripts in Thailand. Through a comprehensive approach that integrates survey, documentation, conservation, digitization, and online dissemination, the project not only safeguards invaluable cultural artifacts but also enhances their accessibility for academic research and public engagement. The structured partnership, underpinned by mutual objectives and complementary strengths, serves as a model for international collaboration in cultural heritage preservation. As digital technologies continue to evolve, such initiatives will be pivotal in ensuring that the rich tapestry of human intellectual and cultural achievements is preserved, accessible, and appreciated by future generations.

 Suggestions

For sustainable innovative Manuscript preservation, CM. MCU Executives should thoughtfully operate as the follows:   

1. Establish a Digital Preservation and Research Center for Ancient Manuscripts in Lanna. This should be done in collaboration with Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Chiang Mai Campus, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in India.

2. Form a Management Committee for the Center Designate responsible staff positions within the project.

3. Set the Operational and Budget plan aligned with the project's objectives and the mission of the Center effectively.

4. Set the Regularly  Meeting Schedule to monitor progress between Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Chiang Mai Campus, and IGNCA.

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