Here's how manuscripts were written in India before the age of print:
1 Manuscripts on Palm leaves
- In ancient India, palm leaves were commonly used as writing surface. They were prepared by cutting, cleaning and drying the leaves of certain palm trees, such as the Palmyra or Talipot palm.
- The leaves were then smoothed polished, and the ink used was usually a mixture of lampblack, gum and water.
- Writing on palm leaves required specialized skills, and the scribes used styled stylus called "lekhani"
2. Manuscripts on Birch Bark
- In parts of India, birch bark was also used for writing manuscripts. The barks of certain birch trees, especially the Himalayan Birch, were harvested, and prepared by removing the outer layers.
-The inner barks were then cut into sheets and were sometimes polished or treated with certain solutions to make them smooth and suitable for writing.
3. Manuscript on Paper
- The introduction of paper in India is attributed to the travels and trade relations with the Islamic world. Paper was made from the pulp of certain plant fibers such as cotton rags or hemp.
- The manufacturing process involved soaking and beating the fibers to create a pulp, which was then pressed and dried into sheets. Writing on paper became increasingly popular due to its convenience and durability.
Drawbacks of manuscript production:
-The production of manuscripts was a slow and laborious process. Each manuscript had to be hand copied by a skilled scribe.
-The accuracy of manuscripts could vary depending on the skills and attention to detail of the scribe. Mistakes or errors could easily occur during the copying process.
-Manuscripts were expensive to produce. The materials used such palm leaves, birch barks, or paper, were valuable commodities, and the labor involved in writing added to the cost.
Effects of Manuscript production
-Limited Number of Copies: Due to the time
-consuming nature of manuscript production, the number of copies of each work was relatively limited. This restricted the wide circulation of knowledge and ideas, as manuscripts were often confined to libraries or owned by wealthy individuals.
-Royal patronage: Royal courts and wealthy patrons played a significant role in supporting the production of manuscripts. The patronage of kings, emperors, and noble families was crucial for the creation and preservation of literary works, art, and scholarly treatises.
- Scribal Traditions and Cultural Transmission: Manuscript production and scribal traditions played a vital role in the transmission of cultural heritage, stories, and religious texts across generations. Scribes often added their own interpretations, illustrations, or commentaries to the texts, contributing to the evolution of literary traditions.
-Influence on Art and Aesthetics: The creation of manuscripts also influenced the development of various art forms, such as miniature paintings, calligraphy, and bookbinding. The artistic elements added to manuscripts enhanced their aesthetic value and made them prized possessions for collectors and connoisseurs.