kolkata the asiatic society has for the first time curated an exhibition of rare manuscripts at the kolkata international book fair in collaboration with the publishers and booksellers guild the initiative titled manuscripts for the masses which aims to connect with the larger section of society has exhibited 50 imprints of rare manuscripts on different subjects scripts and languages through various panels and audiovisual presentationsthe asiatic society has a treasure trove of books rare documents huge collections of manuscripts and antiques like coins lithographs and oil paintings in its library and museum keka banerjee curator of the society said the society decided to reach out to a larger section of society especially the youth through this exhibition to spread awareness on manuscripts which are precursors to books we want not only researchers but everyone across all fields to get a glimpse of our rich cultural heritage she added that no original manuscripts have been brought to the fair among the displayed items is a replica of pancaraksha manuscript imprints of manuscripts like maitreyavyakarana on buddha ramayana in burmese language jamiuttawarikh written in persian language on the history of chengiz dynasty tansens manuscript on ragas tutiname containing 52 tales of parrot and rig veda samhita one of the rarest manuscripts these manuscripts are handwritten and are illustrated with miniature paintings the alquran is notable for its superb calligraphy and beautiful illustrations the bhagavad gita has illustrations in rajput style the first two folios are written in black ink and gold in alternate lines said banerjeeavijit majumdar professor of indian art history and comparative religion hailed the initiative saying it is a much needed move to engage the community and increase participation of the youth towards cultivation of our culture urjita das home baker said the colourful and innovative exhibition on manuscripts in a book fair is a novel way to make people remember our inclusive culture and heritage which we tend to forget ju students of comparative literature dipanwita bhattacharya and shubho sundar ghosh termed the exhibition thoughtprovoking ghosh said this exhibition on manuscripts has enriched usthere are many who are unknown to such a rich collection and this initiative will help people to know about this bhattacharya added that they will visit the societys library and museum to get a glimpse of their full collections