In a modest room within the cash-strapped Oriental Research Institute (ORI) in Mysuru, an ancient manuscript lies neglected, silently withering away without proper care. This fragile document, inscribed on palm leaves, holds the essence of one of India’s most treasured works—Kautilya’s Arthashastra. Despite its historical significance, this invaluable manuscript remains tucked away, vulnerable to the ravages of time.
The Arthashastra, composed in Sanskrit during the Mauryan Empire, stands as one of the oldest treatises on governance, military strategy, politics, economics, justice, and the responsibilities of rulers. Scholars estimate its creation around the second century BCE, and it is attributed to Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, who served as the prime minister to Chandragupta, the first of the Mauryan rulers.
After the decline of the Mauryan Empire, this remarkable document was lost to history until its serendipitous rediscovery by Rudrapatna Shamashastri, a Sanskrit scholar and librarian, in 1905. Shamashastri stumbled upon the original Arthashastra hidden among stacks of palm leaf manuscripts at the ORI, founded by Mysore’s Wodeyar kings in 1891. The institute became part of the University of Mysore in 1916 and houses an impressive collection of around 70,000 rare palm-leaf manuscripts.
Recognizing the significance of his discovery, Shamashastri painstakingly transcribed the Arthashastra onto fresh palm leaves and published it in 1909. His scholarly dedication extended to translating it into English in 1915.
The revelation of the Arthashastra was a pivotal moment in Indian historiography, debunking the British Raj’s belief that India’s concepts of governance and military administration were influenced by the Greeks. Additionally, it usurped Niccolo Machiavelli’s “The Prince,” a 16th-century work, as the world’s oldest treatise on political philosophy.
Despite its profound historical importance, the original Arthashastra languishes in neglect within the ORI’s confines. S.A. Krishnaiah, a member of the institute’s committee, laments that the document is stored in a cushioned box, wrapped in cloth, without the protection of an air conditioner or dehumidifier. This neglect pains those who understand its true worth.
The ORI itself has grappled with financial constraints for years. In 2012, the US government provided a grant of $50,000 to address structural issues like a leaking roof. The Ford Foundation contributed dehumidifiers and air conditioners, but these have fallen into disrepair. The institute has also weathered two fires in the past due to faulty wiring in 1996 and 1998, sparking concerns that the Arthashastra and its collection of approximately 70,000 historic documents and manuscripts could have been reduced to ashes.
While efforts have been made to improve the institute’s infrastructure, including rewiring, relocating the book depot, and implementing painting and dust-proofing measures, the preservation of fragile documents has not received adequate attention. Research scholars who utilise the ORI’s resources assert that it lacks sufficient funding to manage manuscripts, hire experts, and maintain the building.
Dr. Shivarajappa, the director of ORI, acknowledges the need for focused efforts to revive the original Arthashastra document. He has proposed a grant of ₹3.5 crore from the government for this purpose and seeks additional staffing with expertise in preserving and documenting ancient manuscripts. His commitment to preserving this national treasure is underscored by his personal initiative to learn the latest techniques during a visit to the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute in Pune.
Despite its challenges, the ORI continues to welcome approximately 5,000 visitors each year, including scholars and students from around the world. Dr. Hemantha Kumar, the vice-chancellor of the University of Mysore, has pledged increased funding for ORI and emphasised that funds have been designated for the Arthashastra’s preservation. Additionally, the institute has the freedom to propose digitization projects for the Arthashastra as needed.
While digitization ensures broader access to the Arthashastra’s contents, the original manuscript remains incredibly fragile. Prof. L.N. Swamy, a senior history faculty member at the University of Mysore and former official of the Karnataka archaeology department, underscores that palm leaves have a longer lifespan than many other materials. However, even palm leaf documents require preservation efforts like air conditioning, dehumidifiers, and citronella oil coating to extend their lives.
As the original Arthashastra manuscript teeters on the brink of deterioration, scholars like Krishnaiah and others advocate for immediate, scientifically guided preservation measures. Regardless of the existence of copies and digitised versions, the value of safeguarding this priceless historical artifact cannot be overstated. It is a testament to India’s rich intellectual heritage, and its protection is a duty that must be upheld for future generations.
