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Goswami, Barsha R.
- Mahi:A Unique Traditional Herbal Ink of Early Assam
Abstract Views :411 |
PDF Views:108
Authors
Barsha R. Goswami
1,
Monoj K. Das
2,
Pranjal P. Das
2,
Tapas Medhi
2,
Anand Ramteke
2,
Simanta Hazarika
3,
Robin K. Dutta
1
Affiliations
1 Department of Chemical Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur-784 028, IN
2 Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur-784 028, IN
3 Department of Physics, Gauhati University, Guwahati 781 014, IN
1 Department of Chemical Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur-784 028, IN
2 Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur-784 028, IN
3 Department of Physics, Gauhati University, Guwahati 781 014, IN
Source
Current Science, Vol 112, No 03 (2017), Pagination: 591-595Abstract
Mahi, a unique herbal ink prepared with cow urine as extractant, was used for manuscript writing in early Assam. The ink had a deep and fast colour and was persistent on Sancipat manuscripts due to its re-sistance to aerial oxidation and fungi. It was also non-corrosive unlike the corrosive acidic iron gall ink of contemporary Europe. The present study was aimed at analysing the physico-chemical properties of Mahi, including its special properties. The study includes phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial assay, UV-visible with fluorescence analysis, iron and copper estimation and identification of some polyphenols by HPLC-UV.Keywords
Ancient Manuscripts, Physico-Chemical Properties, Spectroscopic Analysis, Traditional Herbal Ink.Full Text
- Sāncipāt: a popular manuscript writing base of early Assam, North East India
Abstract Views :274 |
PDF Views:132
Authors
Affiliations
1 Department of Chemical Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784 028, India, IN
1 Department of Chemical Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784 028, India, IN
Source
Current Science, Vol 123, No 11 (2022), Pagination: 1359-1364Abstract
Sāncipāt was a popular manuscript writing base of early and medieval Assam, North East India. Tens of thousands of Sāncipāt manuscripts still exist in the state, some of them centuries old, without fading ink and miniature painting despite its harsh hot and humid climate. Traditionally, Sāncipāt was made from the bark of the Sānci tree using an arduous procedure. In this study, we analysed the physico-chemical properties of the traditionally prepared model and old Sāncipāt folios at different stages of preparation using FT-IR, XRD and SEM-EDX spectra, weight loss during degumming, tensile strength, gloss index and antifungal properties. A comparison of data with freshly prepared Sāncipāt folios showed intact internal structure and strength in the old ones. The antifungal property observed in Sāncipāt is attributed to Tutia used during degumming of the bark, and two pigments, viz., Hengul and Hāitāl applied as thin coating and border respectively. Partial degumming, coating with fatty pulse, application of Hāitāl and Hengul, and repeated pressing, smoothening and drying together impart strength and glossiness to Sāncipāt manuscripts.Keywords
Antifungal activity, degumming, gloss index, medieval writing base, Sāncipāt manuscripts.Full Text
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