Kathmandu, October 2 (Daily Kiran) : Nepal has welcomed the return of over 800 historical documents from Germany, many dating back to the 13th century. These significant artifacts were formally handed over to the National Archives of Nepal during a ceremony held in Kathmandu.
According to a statement from Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the collection includes ancient palm-leaf manuscripts, royal decrees, court orders, legal documents, Sanskrit texts, and historical travel accounts. These documents were brought back to Nepal before their official transfer.
This collection was part of the private archive of the late Joseph Peter Rindfleish. His son, Walter Rindfleish, entrusted the documents to Professor Axel Michaels, affiliated with Heidelberg University and the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities. Michaels and his team, including Dr. Manik Bajracharya and Rajan Khatriwada, then presented the documents to Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Shishir Khanal.
The friendship between Michaels and Walter Rindfleish played a crucial role in facilitating the return of these documents. The Ministry noted that these artifacts were collected from Nepal at various times between the 1780s and the 1990s.
During the transfer ceremony, Minister Khanal emphasized that the return of these documents symbolizes the restoration of Nepal’s sovereign rights over its cultural heritage. He remarked that Nepal’s art, literature, traditions, and religious texts are not merely physical remnants but the living spirit of its civilization, encapsulating centuries of philosophical thought, political governance, legal knowledge, and spiritual life.
Khanal also recalled Rindfleish’s wish to return these important Nepali documents to their homeland, expressing appreciation for his respect towards Nepal’s cultural heritage.
The collection comprises over 800 royal and official documents, including palm-leaf manuscripts, official orders, and royal decrees sealed with red wax. Before their return to Nepal, the documents were preserved and cataloged by the Heidelberg University Library and the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities.
According to the catalog, the collection features 465 palm-leaf manuscripts from the Malla period, including documents with royal seals. It also contains 312 legal decrees and royal documents from the Shah and Rana periods, some of which bear clay seals. Additionally, there are 18 manuscripts related to the offices of Rana prime ministers and 11 other manuscripts on various subjects. Some of these palm-leaf manuscripts are considered among the oldest surviving documents in Nepal.
Minister Khanal praised Professor Axel Michaels and his research team for their roles in identifying, documenting, and facilitating the return of these documents. He acknowledged that their academic integrity and relentless efforts made the return of these historical materials possible.
The successful repatriation of these documents involved collaboration among Nepal’s embassy in Germany, Heidelberg University, the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities, the Saraf Foundation, and the National Archives of Nepal.
Khanal also noted that both Nepal and Germany are parties to the 1970 UNESCO Convention, which aims to prevent and prohibit the illegal import, export, and transfer of ownership of cultural property. He stated that the return of these documents reflects both countries’ shared commitment to the principles of this international agreement.
He expressed gratitude for the support of the German government, the German embassy in Kathmandu, and Heidelberg University in ensuring the safe return of the documents.
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