Question

Explain the features of manuscript found in India before the advent of printing culture.

Hint:

Manuscripts played a key role in preserving knowledge and literature before printing, but their manual nature made them expensive and limited access to education.

Answer 1

Before the advent of printing culture, manuscripts were the primary medium for writing and disseminating knowledge. The key features of manuscripts in India before the printing press were:
- Material Used: Manuscripts were typically written on materials such as palm leaves, bark of trees, parchment, or paper. Palm leaves were the most common, and they were prepared by polishing and cutting them into manageable sizes.
- Handwritten Text: All manuscripts were manually written, often by scribes who had specialized training in calligraphy. The script used varied, including Sanskrit, Tamil, Arabic, and Persian, depending on the region.
- Illustrations and Decoration: Manuscripts were often beautifully illustrated and decorated with intricate designs, especially religious texts. These embellishments added visual appeal to the text.
- Religious and Literary Texts: Most manuscripts consisted of religious scriptures (such as Vedas, Upanishads, and other sacred texts) or literary works in poetry and history. They were crucial in preserving cultural heritage.