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In danger of extinction

Correspondent

KORAPUT: `Matarabnam Damri' (holy book), `Matarabnam Istaran' (history), `Matarabnam Sekeldamri' (book on rituals) are some of the prominent books of the Saura tribe in the undivided Koraput district. They are printed at the only hand press using `Sampeng' script, says Arjun Sabar, manager of the press.

Script inventor Mangei Gamang established the press in 1936 at Puthasahi in Gunupur sub-division of Rayagada district. "There are 24 composite letters and one imaginary letter in the script. Each represents one of the gods. Hence, these letters carry a different acceptance in the community," Mr. Arjun said. This was the reason why Mangei Gamang, who was a poet, ayurvedic scholar and social reformer, used the script to make people conscious of their social responsibilities, he added. The letters bear resemblance to Roman letters, Krushna Chandra Panigrahy, director of Tribal Museum at Koraput, said. With educated tribals making little effort to safeguard their culture and tradition, the script was vanishing fast, he said.

Script matters

The temple of Matarabnam in Marichguda mountain and its replica in the Jagannath temple at Koraput played a vital role in drawing people from the Saura community together during special occasions. But more than anything else, the script alone could unite them, opined Mr. Arjun.

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