Vaniyambadi: A rare and remarkable discovery of ancient Ramayana manuscripts, believed to be 250 years old, has been made near Vaniyambadi in Tamil Nadu. Found during a field survey, the palm leaf manuscripts reinforce the widespread cultural reverence for Lord Rama across the region, debunking claims that he is exclusively a North Indian deity.
The discovery was led by Dr K Mohan Gandhi, Tamil Professor at Sacred Heart College in Tirupathur, Vellore district, along with Siddha doctor Kaninilam Munusamy and Dr. Kamini. The manuscripts were uncovered during a visit to the home of Ezhil Ammaiyar, a retired teacher residing in Vanniya Adikalar Nagar, near Chettiyappanur. The find comprises 419 palm leaves, meticulously inscribed with the Ramayana in prose format.
Discovery and Historical Context
The discovery was initiated after Monish, a third-year computer science student, informed Professor Gandhi about ancient manuscripts owned by his grandmother. Upon visiting Ammaiyar’s home, the team found five bundles of palm leaf manuscripts she had collected. Upon closer examination, the researchers identified the bundles as containing the Ramayana, complete with 419 palm leaves inscribed on both sides.
The manuscripts are approximately 1.36 feet in length and 0.13 feet in width, featuring 7-8 lines of text per page with 49-52 characters per line. The title page reads, “Virapadhamma Kavadan Penchathi Narasammal Ezhithinathu” and begins with the story of Rama and Lakshmana confronting Ravana over the deaths of Thumba and Nithumba in battle.
The concluding note on the final leaf reads:
“I, Narasama Ammal, wife of Thamma Gounder, son of Veerappa Gounder, inform that Kalyana Pudupettai Vathiyar (teacher) Govindarasa Mudaliar, son of Velayudha Mudaliar, wrote this Puranam. Whoever reads or listens should forgive any mistakes in copying, inscribing, or reading. This book contains 65 books and 7 ‘sada kandams.’ Those who read it will live long and prosper under the blessings of Lord Rama.”
The manuscripts include Tamil numerals as page markers and are marked with the phrase “Nandraga” (Good) on the cover. However, the aging leaves exhibit some damage, including tearing and adhesion, which underscores the urgency of preservation.
Cultural and Historical Significance
This discovery highlights the extensive influence of Lord Rama in Tamil Nadu, demonstrating that the Ramayana was revered in the region centuries ago. Hindu Munnani, a prominent cultural organization, stated, “The discovery proves that 250 years ago, the story of Rama was preserved on palm leaves and passed down through generations. This tradition reinforces the shared heritage of Ramayana across Bharat.”
The manuscripts reflect a time before the advent of the printing press when Tamil literature, puranas, herbal medicine texts, and astrological treatises were inscribed on palm leaves. These texts were preserved orally through the gurukul system or via written manuscripts like the ones found in Vaniyambadi.
Preservation Efforts and Requests
Hindu Munnani has called on the Tamil Nadu government to take immediate action to preserve the 419 palm leaf manuscripts in state archives, recognizing their immense cultural and historical value. The group emphasized the need for expert care to prevent further deterioration and ensure that these manuscripts remain accessible to future generations.
Scholarly Insights
Professor Gandhi, along with retired principal Dr V Nedunchezhiyan of Tiruvannamalai, played a key role in interpreting the text. The team determined that the writing style dates back approximately 250 years, offering insights into the linguistic and literary traditions of the time.
Dr Gandhi explained, “The text is structured in prose and narrates the Ramayana in a sequential manner. The format, along with the concluding notes, highlights the meticulous effort of its authors to preserve this sacred text for posterity. This find is a testament to the widespread acceptance and transmission of Ramayana across Tamil Nadu.”
Symbolism and Legacy of the Manuscripts
The manuscripts not only provide a glimpse into the religious practices of Tamil Nadu but also reinforce the idea that Ramayana transcended regional and linguistic boundaries. This discovery adds to the corpus of Ramayana retellings, which exist in almost every Indian language and continue to influence cultural and spiritual practices across the country.
The findings have sparked renewed interest in preserving palm leaf manuscripts, which are fragile and prone to damage due to their organic composition. Scholars and cultural organizations have urged the government to allocate resources for their digital preservation and archival.
The manuscripts also serve as a reminder of Tamil Nadu’s deep-rooted connection to Indian epics, debunking the misconception that Bhagwan Ram is only venerated in Northern India. As Professor Gandhi noted, “This discovery is a living testament to the universality of Ramayana and its timeless appeal across Bharat.”
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