India, April 26 -- BETTIAH Rare Dhrupad manuscripts containing compositions in various ragas, created by the Bettiah Maharaj himself, have been digitised and made available on the Gyan Bharatam app in a significant step towards preserving the cultural heritage of Bihar's West Champaran district. Purportedly written by Raja Nawal Kishore in the middle of the 19th century, the manuscripts serve as a living document of the rich musical tradition of Bettiah Raj court. Dhrupad, one of the oldest forms of Indian classical music, is known for its depth, discipline and spiritual essence.

District art and culture officer Rakesh Kumar said that the manuscripts were found in the safe custody of noted Dhrupad vocalist Pandit Inder Kishore Mishra dur...