Palm leaf manuscripts are treasure troves of information: Curator

A training-cum-awareness programme on palm leaf manuscripts and techniques to maintain them was organised for students of Tamil Literature studying at the Sri Meenakshi Government Arts College for Women. 

In the programme, Periyasamy along with Durai Vijay Pandian, coordinator, Madurai Philatelists and Numismatics Association (MAPNA), gave hands-on training to the students. 

Periyasamy said that 12 years back, the central government had launched an ambitious project to collect palm leaf manuscripts across the country aimed at finding a cure for AIDS in Siddha medicine. 

During the exercise, they came across many valuable palm leaf manuscripts that sought to provide a cure for various diseases but could not find any medicine for AIDS. 

The manuscripts are highly valuable as they hold the key to many social problems faced by people and so they should be treated as treasure houses, Periyasamy said. They should be properly maintained and should be passed on to the next generation, Periyasamy added. 

Explaining about techniques to preserve palm leaf manuscripts, Periyasamy said initially such manuscripts should be cleaned with rectified spirit with a cloth and by mixing citronella or lemon grass oil with rectified spirit in 1:10 ratio. After drying for about 30 minutes, the mixture would evaporate and by doing so the manuscripts could be maintained for up to two years. 

Also, while writing on palm leaf manuscripts, the holes should be made prior to writing and if holes are made after writing some of the letters would be damaged by the holes. A bundle of palm leaves manuscripts should be tied evenly so that even pressure is applied on all sides for longer life of the manuscript. 

The stylus which are used for writing on palm leaf manuscripts should be handled carefully and if too much pressure is applied, the manuscripts would be damaged. 

Above all, the palm leaf manuscripts should be stored away from light, added Periyasamy.