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Introduction
Birch-bark (bhoj patra) and palm-leaves (tad patra) were the main materials used for writing purpose in India before the advent of paper sometime in the 10th century A.D. Even after the paper was introduced, these materials continued to be used, since in the initial stages paper was scarce and was too costly. Bhoj patra, as birch-bark is known in Hindi, is supposed to be very sacred and even today many religious mantras (sacred hymns) are written on it and kept in the temples, as well as at home, for spiritual use.
Many of the early birch-bark manuscripts have been destroyed and lost forever. Even then large collections are available in some museums, libraries and archives. The National Archives of India, New Delhi has a considerable collection of ancient birchbark manuscripts. A good number is available in the collection of the Akhil Bharatiya Sankrit Parishath, Lucknow. The Sri Pratap Singh Museum, Srinagar also has a sizeable collection. Birchbark manuscripts are found in several houses of Kashmir, where people keep them as holy scriptures. Unfortunately, birch-bark materials are more susceptible to damage and deterioration. The INTACH Indian Council of Conservation Institutes, Lucknow through its various units, has been very active for the preservation and conservation of these types of manuscripts. Given in the following pages are some of the innovations introduced in techniques used and issues involved.
Birch-Bark
Origin
Birch is a moderate size tree, growing to a height of about 7 meters, and is found in the mountain forests of the Himalayas. The inner bark of the birch tree was used for writing. The outer bark after peeling from the tree is discarded and the inner bark, which also peels off easily, is almost paper thin, very supple and flexible. It was first of all dried in the shade, an oil was applied over it and was then polished with a smooth and hard stone like agate. It was then cut to the required size and written upon with pen and ink. Written sheets were kept between two wooden panels for protection.
Deterioration
Physically birch-bark is not a very strong material. Old birchbark sheets become weak very quickly and start to disintegrate. Furthermore, birch-bark sheet is not a single layer; it has a multilayed...