Srinagar, Nov 6 (JKNS): In a major international recognition of Kashmir’s rich historical and intellectual heritage, the 12th-century manuscript of Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, preserved at the Oriental Research Library in Srinagar, has been inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP) Regional Register.
The inscription was formally certified by UNESCO on November 5, 2026, as per news agency JKNS, recognising the historical significance of the manuscript, which remains one of the most important chronicles documenting Kashmir’s past.
The Office of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha described the recognition as a proud moment for Jammu and Kashmir and the nation, stating that Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, along with the Mahabharata and Arthashastra, had been inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register.
The LG’s Office said the inclusion of Rajatarangini celebrates Jammu and Kashmir’s rich intellectual heritage and brings international recognition to its historical legacy.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the inscription, describing the manuscript as an invaluable repository of the region’s historical and cultural traditions.
The Chief Minister said the international recognition celebrates Jammu and Kashmir’s profound historical legacy and underscores the importance of preserving its rich heritage.
Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, a 12th-century historical chronicle, is regarded as a significant literary and historical account of Kashmir, documenting the region’s rulers, events and traditions across different periods. (JKNS)
