An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c25.s3.4

v1.c25.s3.4

Nearchus, a general of Alexander, noted that the Indians wrote on very closely woven linen cloth. Hwui Li and ‘Al-Bīrūnī mention the use respectively of white cotton stuff and silk for writing. *Cirikā*, *paṭa* and *paṭikā* in ancient records refer to documents written on a piece of cloth. In Rajasthan and Mysore the use of cotton cloth treated with paste persists. The Jaina libraries contain manuscripts on cloth. C. Asia sites have yielded records on silk.