Preserving Humanity’s Intellectual and Artistic Legacy
In a historic recognition of India’s civilisational depth and cultural brilliance, two ancient Indian texts—the Bhagavad Gita and Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra—have been inscribed into UNESCO’s prestigious Memory of the World Register. This honour, announced on World Heritage Day (April 18), marks a proud moment for India and underscores the enduring global relevance of its philosophical and artistic traditions.
UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register is a curated collection of the most valuable documentary heritage from across the globe—manuscripts, books, maps, photographs, and audio-visual material that reflect humanity’s collective memory. The 2024 edition saw the inclusion of 74 new entries from 72 countries and international bodies, showcasing the rich tapestry of human knowledge and cultural expression. Among these are the Bhagavad Gita and the Natyashastra, celebrated as foundational pillars of Indian thought and aesthetics.
A Source of National Pride and Global Recognition
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the inclusion as “a proud moment for every Indian across the world,” describing it as a global recognition of India’s timeless wisdom and rich culture. These manuscripts have not only nurtured Indian civilisation for millennia but also profoundly influenced global thought in philosophy, art, and performance.
Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat echoed this sentiment, calling the announcement a “historic moment for Bharat’s civilisational heritage.” He emphasised that these texts are far more than literary achievements—they form the philosophical and aesthetic foundations that continue to shape how India thinks, feels, and expresses itself.
The Bhagavad Gita: A Universal Spiritual Dialogue
The Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse scripture embedded within the Mahabharata, takes the form of a profound dialogue between Krishna and the warrior Arjuna on the eve of a great war. As Arjuna grapples with moral dilemmas and emotional despair, Krishna imparts philosophical wisdom that transcends time and culture.
Described by UNESCO as a “central text in the continuous, cumulative ancient intellectual Indian tradition,” the Gita synthesises Vedic, Buddhist, Jain, and Carvaka thought. Its influence extends well beyond Indian borders, having been translated into numerous languages and studied globally for its spiritual, ethical, and metaphysical insights.
The Natyashastra: India’s Artistic Soul
Attributed to the sage Bharat Muni and believed to have been codified around the 2nd century BCE, the Natyashastra is a monumental treatise on performance arts. Preserved at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, the manuscript contains an astonishing 36,000 verses, making it a cornerstone of India’s aesthetic and artistic heritage.
UNESCO’s citation describes the Natyashastra as “an epitome of the Natyaveda”—an oral body of performing arts knowledge. It systematically outlines the rules of natya (drama), abhinaya (expression), rasa (aesthetic emotion), bhava (emotion), and sangita (music). Bharat Muni’s seminal assertion that “no meaning can blossom forth without rasa” is hailed as a groundbreaking contribution to world literature and aesthetics.
The Natyashastra not only defines classical Indian theatre and dance but has also influenced global discourse on art, performance, and emotional expression. Its inclusion in the register honours its unparalleled role in shaping Indian culture and its deep resonance with global art traditions.
An Honour That Resonates Through Time
The inclusion of these two monumental works in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register is more than a ceremonial honour—it is a celebration of India’s intellectual, philosophical, and artistic legacy. These texts have transcended time, continuing to inspire generations across continents.
With this development, India now has 14 inscriptions in the Memory of the World Register, reaffirming its place as a cradle of civilisation and a beacon of cultural richness. As the world grapples with complex questions of identity, purpose, and expression, the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and the Natyashastra offers timeless guidance.
This recognition is not just about preserving manuscripts—it is about honouring the soul of a civilisation that has gifted the world profound ways to think, feel, and live.
(With inputs from agencies)
