Une campagne de déminage dévoile les trésors historiques de l'Inde

A recent initiative by the Madhya Pradesh archaeology department has uncovered a remarkable collection of historical documents, shedding new light on India's rich cultural and political past. Among the items recovered are a rare document signed by the rebel leader Tatya Tope during the 1857 mutiny against British rule and an original portrait of the Queen of Jhansi, commissioned by the queen herself. These artifacts, along with thousands of others, were submitted by citizens across the state as part of the national Gyan Bharatam Mission, launched by the Indian government to preserve and digitize rare manuscripts. The mission, which set a submission deadline of June 30, has seen widespread participation, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, where over 3.4 million submissions were received. Of these, 1.2 million have been verified, making the state the top contributor nationwide. Other states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat also participated significantly, with submission counts of 2.9 million, 2.3 million, and 1.5 million respectively. Verification of the documents has been conducted through palaeography, the study of historical handwriting, ensuring authenticity and accuracy. One of the most notable discoveries is a document related to the 1857 mutiny, bearing the signature of Tatya Tope. According to Madan Kumar, commissioner of the state archaeological department, this document is unique and had not been previously documented. It was originally given to the government by the princely state of Shivpuri after independence and later held by a heritage trust before being transferred to the department. Another significant find is an original painting of the Queen of Jhansi, who died resisting British forces. The painting, commissioned by the queen herself, was discovered in the Jhansi palace by workers from Datia and subsequently placed in a museum after independence. Archaeologist Wasim Khan noted that the painting dates back to 1853 and features natural colors, gold, and intricate artwork, confirming its authenticity. He explained that the widely circulated image of Rani Jhansi, often seen in modern media, was created posthumously and commissioned by her son. In addition to these items, the department has acquired an 18th-century compendium listing 62 rulers of undivided India, ranging from Muscat to Nepal and Kabul to Cochin. Dated 1877, the document includes portraits and details written in Devnagri script alongside Persian/Urdu administrative language, providing insights into the relationships among various princely states. This compendium was once in the possession of the Nawab of Ratlam and later preserved by Mahesh Sharma, a resident of Jawara Tehsil and president of the district Pujari Sangh. Sharma mentioned that he inherited the item from his ancestors and decided to register it for digitization, recognizing its historical significance. Other notable finds include photographs of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar and her husband Khanderao Holkar, who ruled the Malwa province for three decades in the 16th and 17th centuries. Known for her bravery, Rani Ahilyabai Holkar led efforts to defend her territory after her husband's death. Additionally, a 16th-century manuscript titled Rasikpriya (Connoisseur’s Delight), composed by Keshavdas in the Braj language, was discovered in Panna. This 70-page text explores the aesthetics of love and romance, focusing on depictions of Lord Krishna and Radha. Nilesh Lokhande, an archaeologist, described it as a rare literary treasure, emphasizing its originality and the historical context of its creation. The department has also secured one of the oldest maps in the country, illustrating the Earth in a circular format with seven regions and six mountain ranges, including Jambu Dweep (Jambu Island). This map was received from a Jain temple, further enriching the collection of historical artifacts. As the archaeology department continues to process and catalog these findings, they aim to provide deeper insights into India's multifaceted history, preserving these invaluable pieces for future generations.