Mahi: A unique traditional herbal ink of early Assam

Abstract

Mahi, a unique herbal ink prepared with cow urine as extractant, was used for manuscript writing in early Assam. The ink had a deep and fast colour and was persistent on Sancipat manuscripts due to its re-sistance to aerial oxidation and fungi. It was also non-corrosive unlike the corrosive acidic iron gall ink of contemporary Europe. The present study was aimed at analysing the physico-chemical properties of Mahi, including its special properties. The study includes phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial assay, UV- visible with fluorescence analysis, iron and copper estimation and identification of some polyphenols by HPLC-UV.