This palm-leaf document, housed in the city’s cash-strapped Oriental Research Institute (ORI), is the original manuscript of Kautilya’s Arthashastra. Shamashastri transcribed the Arthashastra onto fresh palm leaves and published it in 1909. “It has survived from the second century, but now the palm leaves are falling to pieces," said Krishnaiah. Dr. Shivarajappa, director of ORI, said: “A lot of work has to be taken up to revive the original document of the Arthashastra. “Palm leaves have a longer life than other materials, and manuscriptologists of the past knew how to extend the lifespan.

Source: Mint November 17, 2019 17:48 UTC