Bhagavad Gita and Natyasastra Added to UNESCO's Memory of the World Register

Two of India’s seminal texts—the Bhagavad Gita and the Nāṭyaśāstra—have been included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, as announced on Friday (IST). They are among 74 newly recognized documentary heritage entries representing 72 countries and four international organizations. With this, the total number of collections inscribed has risen to 570, and India’s tally now stands at 14.

Bhagavad Gita (left) and Nāṭyaśāstra (right) | Image source: Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute

This year’s additions highlight a wide array of themes, including the scientific revolution, the role of women in shaping history, and key developments in global cooperation—such as the Geneva Conventions, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Windhoek Declaration on press freedom.

What Is the 'Memory of the World' Register?

UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register is a global initiative aimed at safeguarding and ensuring permanent, unhindered access to the world’s documentary heritage. Established in 1992, the programme seeks to prevent collective amnesia by preserving significant archival materials and library collections across the globe.

It aims to support the preservation of the world’s cultural heritage, especially in regions impacted by conflict or natural disasters. “The world’s documentary heritage belongs to all, should be fully preserved and protected for all and, with due recognition of cultural mores and practicalities, should be permanently accessible to all without hindrance," reads its website.

The program also strives to ensure global access to documentary heritage and raise public awareness about its importance among a broader audience.

UNESCO carries out the Memory of the World (MoW) Programme through a network of committees and support systems operating at international, regional, and national levels, all adhering to the General Guidelines for Safeguarding Documentary Heritage. The primary body responsible for the programme's overall planning and implementation is the International Advisory Committee (IAC), which acts as the main advisory group to UNESCO.

The IAC is composed of 14 members, appointed by the Director-General of UNESCO in a personal capacity, selected for their expertise in preserving documentary heritage. The Director-General convenes a session every two years. Moreover, the MoW programme greatly benefits from the dedication, initiative, and enthusiasm of regional and national committees.

Bhagavad Gita Recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Document

Originating from India, the Bhagavad Gita has been acknowledged for its profound philosophical and cultural importance. Consisting of 700 verses, it is a part of the Mahabharata and is presented as a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on the brink of war. UNESCO emphasized the Gita's role in unifying key strands of Indian philosophical thought—including Vedic, Buddhist, Jain, and materialist traditions—and recognized its enduring global resonance, reflected in its translations and interpretations across centuries and continents.

Nāṭyaśāstra Recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

The Nāṭyaśāstra, credited to Bharatamuni and housed at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, is widely considered the oldest and most extensive treatise on the performing arts. Believed to have been composed around the 2nd century BCE, it lays out the foundational principles of drama, dance, and music, introducing influential concepts like rasa (aesthetic essence) and bhava (emotion), which have shaped Indian artistic traditions for thousands of years. UNESCO has hailed it as a “profound contribution to world literature.”

Indian Leaders Celebrate UNESCO's Inclusion of Indian Scripts

After the announcement, Indian leaders expressed their appreciation for the recognition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed it as a global acknowledgment of India's vibrant cultural heritage, calling the inscriptions "a moment of pride for every Indian." Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the recognition brings India's total entries on the register to 14.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar referred to the decision as "a genuine recognition of India's documentary heritage" and its "rich culture."

(This Article was originally published by Business Standard)