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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