Turmeric, neem best to preserve manuscripts

A research finding has concluded that turmeric and neem can be  effective agents to preserve the age-old manuscripts for posterity and the best remedy to replace the existing cellulose acetate (chemical) method and hand lamination method.

The Regional Conservation Laboratory (RCL), a wing of the National Conservation Laboratory of the Union Ministry of Culture which was given the responsibility to find alternatives  to the existing chemical techniques has come out with its findings after more than two and half years of research and lab trials conducted here.

The research has found that a white cloth immersed in turmeric water and dried can act as an effective anti-fungal and insect repellent cloth to wrap the manuscripts.

The trial showed that it shields the manuscripts against 14 fungi and insects that usually affect museum objects. The curcumin in turmeric is an active ingredient which fight against the fungi and is an insect repellent.

The investigation has also revealed that a special paper impregnated with the aromas of the neem leaves can also act as an effective agent in preserving manuscripts for a longer time.

“Since 1952, the museums and Oriental schools in the country are following the chemical method to preserve the manuscripts. Our research found that cellulose acetate can harm these ancient books in the long term as the chemical cause degradation of manuscripts producing acid. The method has to stop. We will submit our findings to National Manuscripts Mission soon,” B V Kharbade, Head and Project Officer of the Regional Conservation Laboratory told Deccan Herald. 

According to Vijay Shankar Shukla, senior research officer with the National Mission, 50 lakh manuscripts are registered with the Mission from across the Oriental schools in India.

“Our Mission is pushing for UNESCO tag for manuscripts-based informative value,” he says. While, the RCL has also developed a prototype eco-friendly showcase technique to protect the manuscripts kept in museums from light, humidity and temperature. These prototypes are designed using silica gel, activated charcoal and geolite which help keep the showcase dry. It also absorbs the air pollutants and is eco - friendly. It requires absolutely zero power consumption for running the air conditioners in the wake of power crisis, says Kharbade.

These techniques could also be used to preserve old documents or books in libraries and offices. He suggests for setting up deacidification plants for revival of spoiled papers and film negatives.