Palm-leaf manuscript conservation@Bhubaneshwar, India

Abstract

This article presents the knowledge and techniques from training course about plam-leaf manuscript conservation of Orissa Art Conservation Centre, Bhubaneshwar, India. First of all, the author informs the background and mission of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) with the example of its branches. Then, the explanation of reason for palm-leaf manuscript conservation and important stages of palm-leaf manuscript conservation are as follow. 1) Fungi prevention by fumigation. 2) Insects growth Prevention by fumigation. 3) Cleaning: both dry cleaning and solvent cleaning which included the cleaning of wooden coves and wrapping clothes. 4) Reinking of pale alphabets. 5) Prevention of insect damage. 6) Prevention of fungi growth. And 7) Remedial treatment: repair of splits, broken edges, and holes. Finally, the article pays attention to the important role of environment that affects palm-leaf manuscript conservation.