What you are seeing below is world's oldest illustrated manuscript stolen by the British from South India.  Currently University of Cambridge is reported to have this manuscript along with other manuscripts. 

The manuscript has beautiful illustrations done as you can see.

Literary and Cultural Significance

The Aṣṭasāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitā is part of the early Prajñāpāramitā literature, which later expanded into much larger scriptures such as the 'Perfection of Wisdom in One Hundred Thousand Lines' (Śatasāhasrikāprajñāpāramitā) between the second and fourth centuries CE. This text played a crucial role in the Buddhist cult of the book, particularly within Newar Buddhism, emphasizing the veneration of sacred scriptures.

The Manuscript's Physical Description

The manuscript in question belongs to the Pāla tradition of illuminated manuscripts, written in the ornamental Pāla script. Originally, it comprised six illuminated folios, each adorned with three miniatures. Unfortunately, the first folio is missing and has been replaced by a later palm-leaf folio without miniatures and in a different script.

Dating and Authorship

The dating of the manuscript is controversial. The colophon mentions that it was copied in the fifth regnal year of a Pāla king named Mahīpāla. There were two Pāla kings by this name, and without further specification, the date could be around 985 CE or after 1070 CE. Given that Mahīpāla II likely reigned for only three years, the earlier date is considered more probable.

The donor of this manuscript, a woman named Lāḍokā, is also mentioned in the colophon, highlighting the role of patrons in the preservation and dissemination of Buddhist texts.

Artistic and Religious Significance

The manuscript is protected by two exquisitely painted wooden covers, which bear traces of materials used during worship rites. These covers not only serve a protective function but also signify the manuscript's sacred status and its use in religious rituals.