Leiden Panji manuscripts are digitised thanks to support from the public
The unique collection of Panji manuscripts held by Leiden University Libraries (UBL) will be digitised thanks to support from the public. A sum of 9,871 Euros was raised through crowdfunding to help fund the digitisation. We wish to express our warm thanks to all our donors for their contributions.
For research and education
The UBL boast a unique collection of more than 250 manuscripts with centuries-old stories about the mythical Javanese Prince Panji. The study of these Panji manuscripts offers many new insights into the history, literature and culture of Southeast Asia. They are unique pieces that come in various shapes and sizes and were written down in different languages. Until recently, they could only consulted on site in the Special Collections reading room. By digitising the Panji manuscripts, they will now be made available worldwide for research and education through open access.
World Heritage
The more than 250 centuries-old Panji manuscripts were awarded world heritage status by UNESCO in 2017. The Leiden collection was inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register together with the collections of Panji manuscripts held by the national libraries of Indonesia, Malaysia and Cambodia. The register contains documentary heritage of exceptional value to the world.