The treasure: Specifically, it consists of 465 extremely fragile palm-leaf scrolls—some dating back to the 13th century, making them part of Nepal’s earliest surviving manuscript tradition—as well as royal decrees, court records, Sanskrit manuscripts (one of which deals with the taming of wild elephants), and personal documents spanning several centuries of Nepalese history. A total of 815 documents. The diaries and travel journals of the Rana prime ministers and King Tribhuvan are also likely to be of particular interest, as they contain many previously unpublished letters, photos, and files. 

It is likely the largest collection of Nepalese palm-leaf manuscripts outside of Nepal. The collector had originally collected stamps and coins; in certain collector circles, these narrow palm-leaf manuscripts are considered as sought-after as stamps. Their great cultural value is beyond question, as is the fact that this treasure should be returned to Nepal.

This treasure was discovered by Indologist Axel Michaels (internal link), who also Academy of Sciences and Humanities the project“Sources on the History of Religion and Law in Pre-Modern Nepal (internal link)” at the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities . Eight years ago, this collection was placed in his office without his realizing what a cultural treasure it was. Now, after a veritable obstacle course of political and legal hurdles, the ancient manuscripts can finally be returned to Nepal. A small ceremony was held for this purpose at the South Asia Institute (SAI) of Heidelberg University, attended by Sagar Phuyal from the Nepalese Embassy as a representative.

Press: "A Unique Treasure (external link)," in RNZ, April 28, 2026