National Mission for Manuscripts, Objective, Significance, Achievements

National Mission for Manuscripts is a union government initiative which is renamed as Gyan Bharatam Mission for the period 2024-2031 with a total budget of ₹482.85 crores. The mission is dedicated to the documentation, digitization, and promotion of Indian manuscripts, ensuring their preservation and accessibility. Keep reading the article to know the objectives, key features, significance, and achievements in safeguarding India's rich cultural heritage.

National Mission for Manuscripts Overview

To preserve the manuscript heritage in India as they hold cultural heritage, the Government of India has introduced the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM). The initiative was launched to safeguard the textual tradition in India by documenting and digitizing manuscripts across India. Check out the table below, National Mission for Manuscripts Overview to get the insights regarding the initiative:

National Mission for Manuscripts Features

The National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) was established in February 2003, has been restructured as the "Gyan Bharatam Mission" for the period 2024-2031. 

1. For the period decided, the mission has a budget of ₹482.85 crore aiming to enhance its efforts in manuscript digitization, conservation, and public outreach.
2. Key focus areas include the digitization of rare and fragile manuscripts ensuring their preservation. 
3. Significant contributions are planned in states like Uttar Pradesh through documentation, conservation workshops, and research collaborations.
4. The mission also emphasizes collaboration with educational institutions, libraries, and researchers.

National Mission for Manuscripts Objectives

The National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) is introduced to preserve rich manuscript heritage of India through its key objectives:

1. Conducting nationwide surveys to identify and register manuscripts, ensuring better conservation and public access.
2. Using scientific preservation techniques to preserve manuscripts for future generations.
3. Developing a National Digital Manuscripts Library to provide online access for scholars and the public.
4. Promoting research and publication of unpublished manuscripts, encouraging advanced studies in manuscriptology.
5. Offering training programs in manuscriptology and conservation to nurture a new generation of experts.
6. Organizing exhibitions and outreach initiatives to enhance public interest and appreciation of India’s manuscript heritage.

Indian Manuscripts Significance

Indian Manuscripts offer valuable insights of the country’s cultural, historical, and scholarly heritage. They reflect ancient traditions, document key historical events, and serve as primary sources for research in fields like literature, religion, and art. Other than preservation of the languages, these manuscripts also support interdisciplinary studies, contributing to a deeper understanding of India’s civilization and its enriching legacy.

National Mission for Manuscripts Achievements

The National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) has made remarkable progress in preserving the manuscript heritage of India. Key National Mission for Manuscripts Achievements include:

1. Over 5.2 million manuscripts have been documented across the country.
2. Collaboration with institutions has led to the establishment of Manuscript Resource Centers (MRCs) and Manuscript Conservation Centers (MCCs) in various states.
3. Approximately 3.5 lakh manuscripts have been digitized, with ongoing efforts to expand digital access.
4. Specialized training programs have equipped scholars and archivists with expertise in manuscript conservation.
5. More than 1,35,000 manuscripts are now available online, offering free access to researchers and the public.

National Mission for Manuscripts FAQs

Q1. What is the role of the National Mission for Manuscripts?

Ans. The National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) identifies, conserves, digitizes, and makes manuscripts accessible for research, promoting India's cultural heritage and traditional knowledge.

Q2. Which ministry has the National Mission for Manuscripts?

Ans. The National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) operates under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, for the preservation and digitization of manuscripts.

Q3. What are manuscripts in UPSC?

Ans. In UPSC, manuscripts refer to ancient handwritten documents on materials like palm leaves, birch bark, or paper, providing insights into historical, cultural, and literary heritage.

Q4. What is the mission of manuscript conservation?

Ans. The mission of manuscript conservation is to preserve, restore, and protect historical and cultural manuscripts, ensuring their longevity for future generations and research.

Q5. What is the purpose of a manuscript?

Ans. A manuscript serves as the original, unpublished version of a writer's work, typically submitted for editing, publishing, or academic review.