Under the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM), The Ministry of Culture has taken up the project of re-printing 108 volumes of Mongolian Kanjur. A set of First Five manuscripts were presented to Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the President of India on Guru Purnima (Dharma Chakra Day) on 4th July 2020.
A set was then handed over to His Excellency Mr. Gonching Ganbold, Ambassador of Mongolia to India by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Ministry of Culture and Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Ministry of Tourism, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in presence of Minister of State for Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju.
Objective of Mission
To publish rare and unpublished manuscripts, as the knowledge enshrined in them can be spread to researchers, scholars and the general public.
Note- It is expected that all the 108 volumes of the Mongolian Kanjur will be published by March 2022.
Mongolian Kanjur
- The Buddhist Canonical text in 108 volumes is the most important religious text in Mongolia.
- ‘Kanjur’ means ‘Concise Orders’, the words of Lord Buddha.
- The ‘Mongolian Kanjur’ is a source of providing a cultural identity to Mongolia.
- The ‘Mongolian Kanjur’ in 108 volumes was published by Prof. Lokesh Chandra (Former MP of Rajya Sabha) in India in the 1970s.
- The present edition is being published by the National Mission for Manuscripts(NMM).
National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM)
- The NMM for manuscripts was launched by the Government of India in February 2003 under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
- The Mission is carried under the supervision of Prof. Lokesh Chandra, an eminent Scholar.
- Every volume will have contents indicating the original title of sutra in Mongolian.
India- Mongolia Relations:
- During the early Christian era Buddhism was carried to Mongolia by Indian cultural and religious ambassadors.
- The formal diplomatic relations with Mongolia was established in 1955.
- The publication of Mongolian Kanjur will act as a symbol of cultural symphony between the countries.
About Mongolia:
President- Khaltmaagiin Battulga
Capital- Ulaanbaatar
Currency- Mongolian togrog (tugrik)
About Ministry of Culture and Tourism:
Minister of State (Independent Charge) – Shri Prahlad Singh Patel
