both the kaTapayAdi and ArybhaTa's systems. This protocol is reliable and free from any kind of defect. It will go a long way in helping researchers in the field of history of Indian mathematics and astronomy, who constantly deal with such decryption processes. The automated process would not only render correctly decoded numbers, but will also speed-up the research work. Mahi, a unique herbal ink prepared with cow urine as extractant, was used for manuscript writing in early Assam. The ink had a deep and fast colour and was persistent on Sancipat manuscripts due to its resistance to aerial oxidation and fungi. It was also noncorrosive unlike the corrosive acidic iron gall ink of contemporary Europe. The present study was aimed at analysing the physico-chemical properties of Mahi, including its special properties. The study includes phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial assay, UVvisible with fluorescence analysis, iron and copper estimation and identification of some polyphenols by HPLC-UV.

Mah ı, a unique herbal ink used in medieval Assam in India for writing and illustrating manuscripts, is known for its intense colour and durability for centuries, and its non-corrosive nature. Mah ı is distinctly different from the other contemporary inks used elsewhere in the world, including other parts of India. The interesting features of Mah ı are due to its special recipe involving several herbal ingredients in addition to iron sourced from fish blood or the rust of iron tools, with cow urine as an extractant and solvent. The objective of the current study is an in-depth understanding of the traditional method of the preparation of Mah ı, and its characterisation through analysis of the physicochemical properties using spectroscopic and imaging techniques as well as biochemical analysis. A series of model Mah ı samples are prepared following the traditional method with varying ingredients, and their compositions and physicochemical properties are evaluated with respect to the ingredients using standard methods and analytical tools including atomic absorption spectroscopy, tensiometry, ultraviolet ( UV )-visible, Fourier Transform-infrared ( FT-IR), Raman, steady-state fluorescence, UV fluorescence and emission microscopy. The colour of the ink has been attributed to various polyphenols, gallic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin, quercetin, kaempferol and tannic acid, and their iron complexes. UV fluorescence and emission microscopy confirmed an autofluorescence indicative of the presence of phenolic and chlorophyll pigments. Solubilisation by glycosidic biosurfactant contributes to stabilisation of Mah ı. The non-corrosive nature of Mah ı has been attributed to its neutral pH and absence of free iron and copper ions.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract