Socio - Cultural 06 November 2026
Rajatarangini, Mahabharata, and Arthashastra Inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Register
Why in the News?
Three iconic Indian literary and intellectual texts—Kalhana's **'Rajatarangini'**, Sage Vyasa's **'Mahabharata'**, and Kautilya’s **'Arthashastra'**—have been inscribed in UNESCO's **Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP)** regional register during its 11th general meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Key Features / Major Points:
- Total Indian Inscriptions:
- With the addition of these 3 historical works, India's total entries in the MOWCAP regional register have reached **six (6)**.
- Overview of the Inscribed Texts:
- **Rajatarangini (by Kalhana):** A legendary 12th-century Sanskrit chronicle detailing the history of Kashmir.
- **Mahabharata:** One of the world's longest epic poems detailing righteousness (Dharma), human values, and philosophy.
- **Arthashastra (by Kautilya/Chanakya):** An ancient treatise on statecraft, economic policy, military strategy, and diplomacy.
- Nomination Credits:
- **Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi**, Member Secretary of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), played a pivotal role in formulating the nomination dossier.
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Static GK Facts:
- UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization):
- Formed: **November 16, 1945** | Headquarters: **Paris, France** | Director-General: **Audrey Azoulay**.
- UNESCO Memory of the World (MOW) Programme:
- Established: **1992** (Aims to preserve the world's documentary heritage from destruction and decay).
- Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA):
- Formed: **1987** | Headquarters: **New Delhi** | Nodal Ministry: **Ministry of Culture, Government of India**.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: Which three historic Indian texts were recently added to UNESCO's Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Register?
A: Rajatarangini, Mahabharata, and Arthashastra
Q: Who is the author of the ancient Sanskrit historical text 'Rajatarangini'?
A: Kalhana
Q: Where is the global headquarters of UNESCO located?
A: Paris, France
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