Edappal: From fading palm leaf manuscripts to centuries-old inscriptions, the writings of the past are finding new readers at Vallathol Vidyapeetham, where students aged 23 to 75 are learning to decipher ancient scripts.

The Manuscriptology, Epigraphy and Palaeography (MEP) course at the institution has brought together research scholars, historians, writers, college teachers and Ayurveda doctors, all keen to explore the lesser-known facets of ancient writing and documentary traditions.The course offers a comprehensive study of ancient systems of dating, Vattezhuthu and other early scripts, stone inscriptions, handwriting, archival records, palm leaf manuscripts and handwritten texts. Students also learn about the Katapayadi and Bhoota Sankhya numeral systems, methods of preserving ancient documents and the preparation of catalogues.

Research scholars from universities abroad, including Cambridge, are among those attending the classes, along with historians, writers, college teachers and Ayurveda doctors. Many use their holidays and other free days to attend classes from morning to evening. Historian Dr M R Raghava Varier, palaeography expert C M Neelakandan, professor Azhagiri from Sree Sankaracharya University, Pattambi and Dr S Rajendu, project fellow at Thanjavur ICHR are among the faculty. The course aims to help learners understand the social systems and practices of earlier times and uncover information that can shed fresh light on history.

The library of Vallathol Vidyapeetham has preserved a vast collection of Zamorin records, manuscripts and palm leaf documents for decades. It also houses several documents linked to the Guruvayur temple.

These archival treasures are now being brought under systematic study, giving students an opportunity to decipher old writings and piece together details of the past preserved in fragile manuscripts and fading records.

Edappal: From fading palm leaf manuscripts to centuries-old inscriptions, the writings of the past are finding new readers at Vallathol Vidyapeetham, where students aged 23 to 75 are learning to decipher ancient scripts.

The Manuscriptology, Epigraphy and Palaeography (MEP) course at the institution has brought together research scholars, historians, writers, college teachers and Ayurveda doctors, all keen to explore the lesser-known facets of ancient writing and documentary traditions.The course offers a comprehensive study of ancient systems of dating, Vattezhuthu and other early scripts, stone inscriptions, handwriting, archival records, palm leaf manuscripts and handwritten texts. Students also learn about the Katapayadi and Bhoota Sankhya numeral systems, methods of preserving ancient documents and the preparation of catalogues.

Research scholars from universities abroad, including Cambridge, are among those attending the classes, along with historians, writers, college teachers and Ayurveda doctors. Many use their holidays and other free days to attend classes from morning to evening. Historian Dr M R Raghava Varier, palaeography expert C M Neelakandan, professor Azhagiri from Sree Sankaracharya University, Pattambi and Dr S Rajendu, project fellow at Thanjavur ICHR are among the faculty. The course aims to help learners understand the social systems and practices of earlier times and uncover information that can shed fresh light on history.

The library of Vallathol Vidyapeetham has preserved a vast collection of Zamorin records, manuscripts and palm leaf documents for decades. It also houses several documents linked to the Guruvayur temple.

These archival treasures are now being brought under systematic study, giving students an opportunity to decipher old writings and piece together details of the past preserved in fragile manuscripts and fading records.