Kaithi script training centre to be set up at Buxar museum
The move comes as the state govt undertakes a statewide land survey, where a key obstacle has been the inaccessibility of historical records written in Kaithi.
Once widely used across the state, the Kaithi script is now understood by very few, making it difficult for officials to interpret crucial land documents. "The widespread unfamiliarity with Kaithi is causing delays in loan processing and judicial decisions related to land disputes," said Mishra.
Kaithi has been in use in the region for nearly a thousand years. One of its earliest known inscriptions, dated to the 9th or 10th century, is located at the Baijnath Shiva Temple in Kaimur district. Others have been found in Srinagar (Madhepura) and Andharathadhi (Madhubani). Two rare inscriptions, featuring Kaithi, Bengali and Nagari scripts, are also engraved on the gates of the Bateshwar Shiva Temple in Bhagalpur.
The script served as the official medium for land records during Sher Shah Suri's reign and remained in use during the time of Veer Kunwar Singh. Zamindars in regions like Darbhanga also used it to document their estates.
Despite its historical significance, a lack of Kaithi proficiency among land officials, legal professionals and bank staff has led to bottlenecks in administration and justice. "Functional literacy in Kaithi is essential for resolving land disputes," Mishra said.
To address this, training and awareness programmes have been held nationally and internationally. Thousands have participated in workshops in Patna, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Nawada and Begusarai. The state revenue department has begun formal training, aided by experts Pritam Kumar and Waqar Ahmed. A learning booklet has also been published.
Institutions such as the Maithili Sahitya Sansthan, Bihar Archaeological Council, INTACH and CIIL Mysuru are supporting the effort. Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University now offers a six-month certificate course in the script.
"Our mission continues. By promoting Kaithi literacy, we intend to preserve a vital part of Bihar's cultural heritage and restore its practical utility," Mishra said.
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