Fourth volume of Wadiyar's encylopedia soon

First of the nine volumes of 'Sritattva Nidhi' was released in 1997

The Oriental Research Institute, University of Mysore, which has taken up transliteration works penned by Krishnaraja Wadiyar III, a patron of arts, is on the verge of completing another volume of the “peculiar manuscripts” of the ruler.

 
Unlike other manuscripts, which are relatively smaller in volume, Sritattva Nidhi, compiled by the ruler with the help of calligraphers and painters, has nine volumes and is a religious encyclopedia. Speaking with Deccan Herald, H C Devaki, Director of the Institute, said that first three volumes of the illustrative encyclopedia, Shakthi Nidhi (encyclopedia of goddesses in Hindu mythology), Vishnu Nidhi (about various incarnations of Vishnu and his other aspects in epics and Puranas) and Shiva Nidhi (all aspects of Lord Shiva) has already been compiled. It is one of the rare works of the past from the region, where illustrations are used extensively in the manuscripts, which is a unique feature. The volumes comprise scanned copies of the original work, with Kannada and English translations for the same.

The script of the manuscripts, though written in Kannada, is very different to the script used today. Paintings in the manuscript were drawn by painters commissioned by the king in ‘Mysore style’, providing visual depictions of the concepts explained in the encyclopedia. Even though the first of the nine volumes, Shakthi Nidhi was released in 1997, only two volumes were released in the next 17 years. Brahma Nidhi, comprises extensive depictions of Brahma in various Puranas, and works of Hindu Mythology. This fourth volume of the literary work by the ruler is slated for release early next year.

However, Devaki said that the Institute had set a target of completing one of the famous works of the ruler within the next two years.

While the total pages of the manuscript, authored and commissioned by Krishnaraja Wadiyar III run up to 850 pages in total, size of the printed versions vary, with Brahma Nidhi alone running close to 500 pages. The next volume of the series, Graha Nidhi, deals with astrology and astronomy.

Discount
The original works are available at the Institute, whereas the printed versions in English and Kannada separately are being published by Prasaranga, and available for purchase.

The first volume which has both English and Kannada translations costs Rs 1,200; the second and third volumes which has separate editions of English and Kannada translations, costs Rs 500, and Rs 600, respectively. There is a discount of 25 per cent on these volumes currently.

Bharuchi’s works
Apart from it, one of the manuscripts in ‘Thigalari’ script, found in coastal regions of Karnataka, written by the 14th century commentator Bharuchi is also on the verge of completion. Bharuchi’s commentary of Manusmrithi is being transliterated by S Jagannath.

Digitisation
The Institute, in association with Indira Gandhi National Centre of Arts, Ministry of Human Resource Development, has also digitised close to 48,000 manuscripts. Digitisation, with the help of microfilms, is an ongoing process, as the Institute has classified about 60,000 titles, since the institute was found in 1891.

She said that digitisation started six years ago and were discontinued for the time being, due to renovation works taken up at the Institute.