Current Science

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

Abstract

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.

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