Manuscript culture and writing materials in ancient India
In this IIAS Lunch Lecture Dr Saraju Rath will give a brief overview of the varieties of writing materials used in the Indian world through the ages and the evidence for them in the form of literary references, iconic representations and preserved specimens.
Since around the third century BCE, the Indian world has started to transmit its knowledge and culture in written form on various supports ranging from stone and copper plates to birch bark, palm leaf, paper. The material requirements for writing and manuscript culture further include the instruments for writing such as the iron or bamboo stylus, the production of various types of ink, etc. Even at present South Asia is remarkably rich in remnants and reminiscences of its former intensive participation in a culture of writing.
In this IIAS Lunch Lecture Dr Saraju Rath will give a brief overview of the varieties of writing materials used in the Indian world through the ages and the evidence for them in the form of literary references, iconic representations and preserved specimens.
Every third Wednesday of the month one of the IIAS researchers will present his/her work-in-progress in an informal setting to their colleagues and other interested attendees, followed by a lunch provided by IIAS. These lunch lectures are organized to give the research community the opportunity to freely discuss ongoing research and to exchange thoughts.
Lunch is provided. Please register at a.e.l.van.der.horst@iias.nl