Granth Kutir: Inauguration Highlights India’s Timeless Classical Language Heritage
Granth Kutir: President of India Droupadi Murmu on Friday inaugurated the Granth Kutir at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking a significant step toward preserving and celebrating India’s vast classical language heritage. The newly developed space has been envisioned as a cultural and intellectual repository that reflects the depth of India’s literary, philosophical, and scholarly traditions. By bringing together manuscripts and books in 11 classical languages under one roof, the Granth Kutir stands as a symbol of continuity between ancient knowledge systems and modern India.
A Dedicated Space for Classical Knowledge
The Granth Kutir houses an extensive collection of approximately 2,300 books written in India’s classical languages. These languages include Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. Each of these languages represents centuries of accumulated wisdom and has played a crucial role in shaping India’s civilizational identity. The initiative aims not only to preserve these texts but also to make them accessible for scholars, students, and visitors interested in understanding India’s intellectual roots.
Recognition of New Classical Languages
A notable aspect of the Granth Kutir’s collection is its alignment with recent developments in language recognition. On October 3, 2024, the Government of India granted classical language status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. Before this decision, six languages already held classical status. The inclusion of texts from newly recognized languages ensures that their historical contributions receive national and global visibility, reinforcing the idea that India’s cultural heritage continues to evolve through recognition and preservation.
Diverse Subjects and Rare Manuscripts
The collection at Granth Kutir spans a wide range of subjects, making it valuable beyond the field of linguistics. Visitors and researchers can explore works related to epics, philosophy, governance, history, science, linguistics, and devotional literature. A particularly unique feature of the Kutir is its manuscript section, which includes around 50 rare manuscripts. Many of these are handwritten on traditional materials such as palm leaves, bark, cloth, and handmade paper, offering insights into ancient methods of documentation and knowledge transmission.
Collaborative National Effort
The development of Granth Kutir has been the result of collaboration between multiple stakeholders across the country. Central and State Governments, universities, research institutions, cultural organizations, and individual donors have all contributed to building this collection. The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, along with their affiliated institutions, have supported the initiative. Professional expertise for conservation, documentation, and display of manuscripts is being provided by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, ensuring that the materials are preserved according to global archival standards.
Digital Access and Visitor Experience
To balance preservation with accessibility, several earlier archival books housed in this space have been relocated to another area within the Rashtrapati Bhavan estate. These materials have been digitised and will be made available online for research scholars. Selected manuscripts and books from the Granth Kutir will be visible to visitors during the conducted tour of Rashtrapati Bhavan under Circuit 1. Additionally, an online portal will provide detailed information about the collection and enable researchers to apply for physical access when required.
Importance of Classical Texts in Modern Times
In her address, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the foundational role classical languages have played in shaping Indian culture. She noted that knowledge systems related to science, yoga, Ayurveda, mathematics, astronomy, and grammar developed through these languages and have guided humanity for centuries. Ancient texts such as ethical treatises, political manuals, and scientific works continue to hold relevance in the modern world, demonstrating the timeless nature of classical knowledge.
A Call for Preservation and Promotion
The President emphasized that preserving classical languages is a collective responsibility. She encouraged universities to promote their study, libraries to expand their collections, and young people to learn at least one classical language. According to her, initiatives like the Granth Kutir represent a broader effort by Rashtrapati Bhavan to safeguard India’s linguistic and cultural legacy while inspiring future generations to engage with their heritage.