233-Year-Old Valmiki Ramayana Gifted to Ram Katha Museum in Ayodhya

A significant step toward preserving India’s ancient literary and cultural heritage has taken place with the transfer of a rare 233-year-old Sanskrit manuscript of the Valmiki Ramayana. The historic manuscript has now found a permanent home in Ayodhya, ensuring wider access for scholars, devotees, and visitors while reinforcing the city’s importance as a global centre of Ramayana tradition.

Why in News?

A 233-year-old manuscript of the Valmiki Ramayana has been formally gifted to the International Ram Katha Museum in Ayodhya. The manuscript was presented by the Central Sanskrit University to support cultural preservation and public access.

About the Ancient Valmiki Ramayana Manuscript

• The manuscript is a rare copy of the Valmiki Ramayana, originally composed by Valmiki, the revered Adi Kavi of Sanskrit literature.
• It includes a classical commentary known as Tattvadipikatika, written by Maheshvara Tirtha.
• The text is written in Sanskrit using the Devanāgarī script and dates back to Vikrama Samvat 1849 (1792 CE).
• As a preserved textual tradition, it holds immense historical, literary, and philosophical value within Indian Itihāsa.

Contents and Structure of the Manuscript

• The gifted manuscript contains five major kāṇḍas of the Ramayana Balakand, Aranyakand, Kiskindhakanda, Sundrakand, and Yuddhakand.
• These sections collectively narrate the life, exile, struggles, and victory of Lord Rama while also presenting deep moral and philosophical teachings.
• The manuscript reflects the narrative richness and ethical framework of ancient Indian civilization.
• Its careful preservation over centuries makes it a valuable source for academic research, textual comparison, and understanding the evolution of Ramayana traditions.

Handover and Institutional Significance

• The manuscript was presented by Central Sanskrit University Vice Chancellor Shrinivasa Varakhedi to Nripendra Misra, Chairman of the Executive Council of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library.
• Earlier, the manuscript had been on loan to Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• It has now been permanently gifted to the Antarrashtriya Ram Katha Sangrahalaya.

About Ram Katha Museum

• The International Ram Katha Museum in Ayodhya is envisioned as a global hub for preserving and showcasing Ramayana heritage from India and abroad.
• It houses manuscripts, artefacts, and artworks related to Lord Rama’s life and teachings.
• The addition of this rare Valmiki Ramayana manuscript strengthens the museum’s role in conserving ancient texts and promoting cultural education.
• It also aligns with broader efforts to protect India’s manuscript heritage through institutional care and public display.

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. The gifted Valmiki Ramayana manuscript dates back to which year?

A. 1692 CE
B. 1749 CE
C. 1792 CE
D. 1850 CE