Translating ancient Indian manuscripts into English: Translation as a research methodology

Manuscripts—handwritten compositions on materials such as paper, bark, cloth, or palm leaves—serve as invaluable records of human knowledge, often dating back centuries and holding immense historical, linguistic, and cultural significance. This paper explores the role of translation in preserving and disseminating ancient manuscripts, with a particular focus on the translation of Sanskrit texts into English. By examining the historical impact of translation, particularly during the Renaissance, the study highlights how this process has been instrumental in shaping scholarly discourse. Beyond its function as a preservation tool, translation is positioned as a research methodology that bridges past and present, offering insights into ancient Indian philosophy, culture, and thought systems. Engaging with these texts through translation not only facilitates interdisciplinary research but also contributes to the decolonization of knowledge by amplifying marginalized voices and challenging Eurocentric perspectives. The study emphasizes the urgent need for scholars to undertake systematic translation efforts, as India houses over 10 million manuscripts—two-thirds of them in Sanskrit—that remain untranslated and at risk of deterioration. By centring translation within academic research, scholars can promote a more inclusive and globally relevant knowledge production framework.