News

Customs Department Returns Seized Palm Leaf Manuscripts to ASI

Bhubaneswar: The Customs Department, in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), facilitated the return of palm leaf and paper manuscripts on Thursday. Sanjay Pant, the Principal Chief Commissioner of GST, Central Excise, and Customs for the Bhubaneswar zone, officially handed over these manuscripts to ASI representatives in a virtual ceremony attended by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

These valuable manuscripts were confiscated in 2019 and 2020 during attempted exports to Spain and France, respectively, as stated by Pant. The palm leaf manuscript, containing 155 leaves and robust wooden covers on both sides, features a classical Champu composition in modern Odia script and language, believed to date back to the 19th or 20th century. Champu is a significant element in Odissi music.

The paper manuscript, consisting of 17 leaves crafted from handmade paper, contains Buddhist texts written in the Devanagari script. The return of these manuscripts marks a collaborative effort to preserve and protect cultural heritage, preventing their unauthorized export.

Bureau The News Hashtag

Recent Posts

Odisha Targets Completion of All Mega Rural Water Supply Projects by March 2027

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has set a March 2027 deadline for the completion of all…

21 hours ago

West Bengal Renames Digha Jagannath Temple, Removes ‘Dham’ from Official Title

Bhubaneswar: The West Bengal government on Tuesday announced that the word “Dham” will no longer…

21 hours ago

BDA Cuts Official Vehicle Usage Limit to Reduce Fuel Consumption

Bhubaneswar: In line with the Odisha government's efforts to curb fuel consumption and promote prudent…

23 hours ago

Odisha Cabinet Gives Nod to 10 Development Proposals Across Key Sectors

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet on Monday approved a series of proposals aimed at boosting infrastructure…

2 days ago

Cabinet Approves ₹100.89-Crore Wastewater Treatment Project to Rejuvenate River Daya

Bhubaneswar: Taking a major step towards tackling water pollution in the state capital, the Odisha…

2 days ago

Odisha Cabinet Approves ₹112-Crore 24×7 Water Supply Project for BDA Town Planning Areas

Bhubaneswar: Residents of the rapidly developing Town Planning Scheme areas under the Bhubaneswar Development Authority…

2 days ago