Sāncipāt: a popular manuscript writing base of early Assam, North East India

Sāncipāt was a popular manuscript writing base of early and medieval Assam, North East India. Tens of thousands of Sāncipāt manuscripts still exist in the state, some of them centuries old, without fading ink and miniature painting despite its harsh hot and humid climate. Traditionally, Sāncipāt was made from the bark of the Sānci tree using an arduous procedure. In this study, we analysed the physico-chemical properties of the traditionally prepared model and old Sāncipāt folios at different stages of preparation using FT-IR, XRD and SEM-EDX spectra, weight loss during degu­mming, tensile strength, gloss index and antifungal properties. A comparison of data with freshly prepared Sāncipāt folios showed intact internal structure and strength in the old ones. The antifungal property obser­ved in Sāncipāt is attributed to Tutia used during degumming of the bark, and two pigments, viz., Hengul and Hāitāl applied as thin coating and border respectively. Partial degumming, coating with fatty pulse, application of Hāitāl and Hengul, and repeated pressing, smoothening and drying together impart strength and glossiness to Sāncipāt manuscripts.