Preservation of Manuscript Books and Records Papers

Key Highlights:

• The Gyan Bharatam portal, under the Ministry of Culture, maintains records of various manuscripts.
• The portal currently lists a total of 88,820 manuscripts.
• The majority of these manuscripts (83,045) are made of paper.
• Other materials include palm leaf (5,772) and birch bark (3).

Detailed Insights:

• Gyan Bharatam serves as a digital repository for documenting and preserving India's rich manuscript heritage.
• The initiative aims to make information about these historical records accessible to researchers and the public.
• Ascertaining the exact historical period of each manuscript is an ongoing process involving research and de-codification.
• This information was provided by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Lok Sabha.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Gyan Bharatam: A digital portal managed by the Ministry of Culture for cataloging and preserving manuscripts.
• Manuscript: A handwritten document, book, or piece of music, distinct from printed works.
• Ministry of Culture: The Indian government ministry responsible for the preservation and promotion of the nation's cultural heritage.