Mysuru: The Oriental Research Institute (ORI) attached to the University of Mysore is on track to complete a significant digitisation project by the end of Dec. This initiative aims to preserve and make accessible over 70,000 rare inscriptions and manuscripts, some dating back over 350 years.
The digitisation effort, in collaboration with a Bengaluru-based organisation, was initiated to safeguard valuable cultural artefacts, which include documents written in multiple languages such as Sanskrit, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu.
Established 133 years ago by Mysuru Maharaja Chamaraja Wadiyar, the ORI has been dedicated to the collection, preservation, and study of manuscripts.
In 2022, the UoM signed a memorandum of understanding with Mythic Society, Bengaluru, to facilitate the digitisation process. According to ORI director Dr DP Madhusudanacharya, the project is progressing rapidly and is now in its final stages. He expressed hope that the completion of this project will serve as a timely New Year's gift to the academic community.
Once digitised, these manuscripts will be made available to researchers and scholars, though access will be regulated to prevent misuse. Detailed catalogues will be provided on the institute's website, and users can request more information based on their specific needs, he said.
Madhusudanacharya said the digitisation not only enhances knowledge dissemination but also ensures the preservation of the original manuscripts. Among the rare documents being preserved is a fully intact volume of Kautilya's Arthashastra, a seminal work that offers insights into ancient Indian political systems and statecraft.
This initiative represents a significant step in making historical knowledge more accessible while protecting invaluable cultural heritage for future generations.
Mysuru: The Oriental Research Institute (ORI) attached to the University of Mysore is on track to complete a significant digitisation project by the end of Dec. This initiative aims to preserve and make accessible over 70,000 rare inscriptions and manuscripts, some dating back over 350 years.
The digitisation effort, in collaboration with a Bengaluru-based organisation, was initiated to safeguard valuable cultural artefacts, which include documents written in multiple languages such as Sanskrit, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu.
Established 133 years ago by Mysuru Maharaja Chamaraja Wadiyar, the ORI has been dedicated to the collection, preservation, and study of manuscripts.
In 2022, the UoM signed a memorandum of understanding with Mythic Society, Bengaluru, to facilitate the digitisation process. According to ORI director Dr DP Madhusudanacharya, the project is progressing rapidly and is now in its final stages. He expressed hope that the completion of this project will serve as a timely New Year's gift to the academic community.
Once digitised, these manuscripts will be made available to researchers and scholars, though access will be regulated to prevent misuse. Detailed catalogues will be provided on the institute's website, and users can request more information based on their specific needs, he said.
Madhusudanacharya said the digitisation not only enhances knowledge dissemination but also ensures the preservation of the original manuscripts. Among the rare documents being preserved is a fully intact volume of Kautilya's Arthashastra, a seminal work that offers insights into ancient Indian political systems and statecraft.
This initiative represents a significant step in making historical knowledge more accessible while protecting invaluable cultural heritage for future generations.