Asiatic Society Scans Over 2,000 Manuscripts Under Gyan Bharatam Mission
Synopsis
The Asiatic Society in Kolkata has digitized over 2,000 manuscripts, strengthening its role in preserving cultural heritage under the Gyan Bharatam Mission. This initiative ensures the safety and accessibility of invaluable historical texts.
Key Takeaways
The Asiatic Society scanned 2,033 manuscripts as part of Gyan Bharatam.
1,46,099 pages have been digitized to preserve cultural heritage.
Safety measures include disaster preparedness and fire safety systems.
Collaboration with NDRF and local authorities ensures manuscript security.
Regular conservation efforts are conducted to maintain the condition of rare manuscripts.
New Delhi, March 30 (NationPress) The Asiatic Society in Kolkata has successfully scanned 2,033 manuscripts totaling 1,46,099 pages as of March 23. This initiative was part of its role as a Cluster Centre for manuscript scanning under the Gyan Bharatam Mission, as stated in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, provided insights into the safety protocols at the Society. He highlighted that there are essential disaster preparedness measures, which include a fire safety system and established Standard Operating Procedures.
The Society maintains close collaboration with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Fire and Emergency Services Department of the Government of West Bengal, and local police authorities.
According to Shekhawat, the Society has digitized 11,528 manuscripts that encompass 5,72,890 pages in total.
The Minister elaborated that the financial support from this Ministry to the Asiatic Society is aimed at bolstering its core functions, with periodic reviews conducted to address the preservation needs of the collections.
Furthermore, he noted that the heritage building of the Asiatic Society is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is responsible for its repair and restoration efforts.
The Society ensures an adequate temperature and humidity control system in its Museum, where manuscripts, rare books, and artifacts are stored. Shekhawat mentioned that regular assessments of the condition of rare manuscripts and artifacts are conducted by cataloguers and other officials under the supervision of the Curator.
The Society also has its own Conservation and Binding Section dedicated to conservation efforts. Since the establishment of the Manuscript Conservation Centre in 2022, the Society has achieved preventive conservation for 35,624 folios of manuscripts and curative conservation for 4,596 folios of rare manuscripts. Cataloguing remains a routine task for the Museum and Archive Section.
Point of View
The Society not only protects invaluable heritage but also makes it accessible for future research and education. This approach reflects a broader commitment to preserving history in a digital age.
NationPress
23 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gyan Bharatam Mission?
The Gyan Bharatam Mission is an initiative aimed at digitizing and preserving manuscripts and cultural heritage across India.
How many manuscripts has the Asiatic Society scanned?
As of March 23, the Asiatic Society has scanned 2,033 manuscripts.
What measures are in place for manuscript preservation at the Asiatic Society?
The Society has implemented a fire safety system, disaster preparedness protocols, and maintains close liaison with the NDRF and local authorities.
How many pages do the scanned manuscripts total?
The scanned manuscripts total 146,099 pages.
What is the role of the Archaeological Survey of India in this initiative?
The Archaeological Survey of India oversees the heritage building of the Asiatic Society, ensuring its repair and restoration.
