Himanshu Guru
One among the few fascinating branches of history is paleography though it is a tough and fertile subject. However, we hardly find a scholar in this interesting subject who can bring many interesting information to the mainstream through their discourse on the art. Paleography is the study of ancient and historical handwriting. Paleographers study the forms and processes of writing and not the textual content of documents. The discipline also includes the practice of deciphering, reading, and dating historical manuscripts and the cultural context of writing, including the methods with which writing and books were produced as well as the history of scriptoria. Connoisseurs of this rare art are very few and far between. Fortunately, Sunday POST caught up with Sadananda Agrawal, an expert paleographer from Subarnapur district who has a series of achievements in the field.
Born November 7, 1952 to Late Rama Bai and Bhaniram Agrawal in Menda village, Sadananda initiated his journey in paleography at a young age. Interestingly, he does not have higher education, but some of his books have been added to the syllabus of universities. When asked how he entered the world of paleography he said, “I got inspired by Dr HK Mahatab, one of the makers of modern Orissa and a historian of great repute and Late Dr Nabin Kumar Sahu, the famous historian and ex-vice chancellor of Sambalpur University.”
In the language of Agrawal, paleography means the study of old scripts used in historical inscriptions. He says, “In India inscriptions have been proved to be the very backbone of history. Orissa occupied an important place in the epigraphic map of India yielding a large number of inscriptions ranging from the 3rd Century BC to the 19th Century AD which bear different scripts. Many learned scholars have spent their time and energy in producing valuable books on Indian paleography. But the torrent bypassed Orissa. So, late BR Patel, ex IAS, Professor K Behera, eminent historian and former vice-chancellor of Fakir Mohan University, Srinibas Udgata and Professor Rajkishore Mishra insisted me to write the book Orissan Paleography. The work was highly painstaking and expensive but I did it with a new methodology. And it was highly appreciated by scholars all over India.”
Agrawal has also got the opportunity to showcase his talent in paleography at the famous University of Shantiniketan in West Bengal. Narrating the experiences he gathered there, he said, “In Shantiniketan I had been allotted three hours for each class and I used maximum time for blackboard work. During my teaching I used to write the names of the students in different ancient scripts like Brahmi, Gupta, and headed epigraphy which actually gripped the audience there. It was very much interesting for them and they got involved in no time. Even after the class they demanded more time. Their response also encouraged me. I love my students and they respect me. They have sent me letters (of appreciation) and I have preserved them.”
Besides paleography, Agrawal is also a prime devotee of Mahima Dharma. About his relation to the doctrine mainly the one propagated by the legendary blind poet Bhima Bhoi, he said, “Firstly, Mahima Dharma is exclusively Orissan. In the history of this religion Bhima Bhoi, a humanist poet, had to play the role of Vyasa Deba (the legendary poet of mythology). The keynote of his poetry is commitment and compassion heading the unique world view. In his Khaliapali Ashram of Sonepur he composed and sang prayers and preached for the liberation of the entire universe. I hope someday Mahima religion will be world religion. Under able leadership of BP Sethi, IAS, we were determined for the all-round development of the Khaliapali pitha of Bhima Bhoi. My entire family has had his blessings and we have become his devotees surrendering before him.”
Agrawal has shown much interest in Indology. About Indology he said, “The subject is vast and complicated. I have devoted my time and energy in epigraphic studies, which is an important part of Indology. I have edited eight copper plate grants belonging to the 8 and 9th centuries AD and more than dozens of small stone ancient inscriptions, which throw welcome relief on history, culture and religion.”
The paleographer has hardly any formal education. But his works have attracted scholars. When asked how he manages to work without any formal education he said, “I would like to make a confession here that I don’t have any academic competence. But this drives an impetus given by gurus, response of the readers and continued interest in the subject over years have provided me enough motivation to go deep into my analysis. I still feel myself a student and utilize my desire in study. Many learned scholars designate me autodiatact historian.”
The resource person has also written books on the ancient Orissan ruler Kharavela. About the books he said, “Chakrabarti King Kharabela of Kalinga is most unique of the great personalities of early India. His Hatigumpha inscription is also a rare record in ancient Indian history. For a number of days I was busy studying the inscriptions at Udayagiri and Khandagiri. Shanti Kumar ji, president of Sri Digambar Jain Samaj, Cuttack, and Kamal Jain, secretary, requested me several times to write a book on Kharavela. I have taken utmost care to tap the new source material on it, which was recently discovered with new interpretations. Fortunately, the book has been included in the syllabus of Sambalpur University and Utkal University of Culture.”
The writer has vast knowledge of ancient Saura paintings. Talking about the ancient paintings he said, “Saura paintings occupy a somewhat different position in the world of tribal paintings. Each pictogram tells a story. It is its form of literature. There is no art in Saura society which is not directed by religion. One has to explain the hermetic content of the pictogram. Unfortunately, the tradition is rapidly disappearing due to the influence of Christianity. I have spent years to rescue and reproduce the art with the help of Durga Prasad Kar of the Indian Revenue Service. It gives me immense pleasure that it has reached the destination.”
Agrawal also wants to give credit to his wife Tara Devi Agrawal and son Siddhartha. He says without their dedicated sacrifice he would never have achieved what he has attained so far.
