Studies on Gilgit Manuscripts: A Review

Abstract

Till today several scholars conducted researches on Gilgit manuscripts which were found in 1931 but the manuscripts in Karachi Museum still need detailed study. The purpose of current research titled ‘Studies on Gilgit Manuscripts: A Review’ is to systematically review the previous attempts made by linguistics and archaeologist to study these manuscripts. This study investigates the palaeography of manuscripts available in Karachi Museum Collection which includes Saddharmapuṇḍarīkasūtra, Prajñāpāramitā, and folios of vinayavastu, which are Śayanāsanavastu, Adhikaraṇavastu, and Saṅghabhedavastu. These manuscripts have some similarities in paleographical features which needs careful investigation. This research will also include the transliteration of selected folios and their comparison with previous attempts. Study of these manuscripts will signify the stages of development of the sutras which are now in modified versions