7-day workshop on Gurbani manuscripts inaugurated

The Centre on Studies in Sri Guru Granth Sahib of Guru Nanak Dev University inaugurated a seven-day workshop on ‘Manuscripts of Gurbani: Tradition, History, and Study’ to mark the first Prakash Purb of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Amarjit Singh, Director of the centre, said the event brought together researchers from various departments within the university to delve into the essential subject matter related to the written documentation of Gurbani. He emphasised the significance of manuscripts containing internal references to Sri Guru Granth Sahib and engaged in meaningful discussions regarding the purpose and importance of this scholarly gathering.

Amar Singh, one of the key speakers, delved upon the topic ‘Writing tradition and content of manuscripts of Gurbani’. His presentation covered various aspects, including paper-making techniques, ink materials and methods, and collections of Gurbani referencing Janamsakhi literature, Ahiyapur Pothi, Damdmi Bir, Kartarpuri Bir, and Darbar-e-Khalsa Wali Bir, among others. It also highlighted the techniques and craft of scribes, who used to manually write the Birs of Guru Granth Sahib and other important Sikh scriptures.