India’s 1st Manuscript Mapping Drive | 17 Mar 2026

Source: TOI 

The Ministry of Culture has launched a first-of-its-kind three-month nationwide survey to map India’s manuscript heritage. 

• The exercise aims to curb intellectual piracy by digitising India’s vast manuscript heritage, which includes the world’s largest collection of about 1 crore manuscripts. 

Manuscript Mapping Survey 

• About: The survey will be conducted from the district level upwards to locate manuscripts across the country and create a consolidated national database. 
  • The collected data will be compiled into a national digital repository under the Gyan Bharatam Mission. 
• Objective: The initiative aims to preserve, digitise and promote India’s vast manuscript heritage, enhancing accessibility for research and safeguarding cultural knowledge. 
• Technology Use: Manuscripts from institutions, collections and individual custodians will be geotagged for conservation, preservation and digitisation needs. 
  • Gyan Bharatam app will be used by survey teams to upload details, with further standardised digitisation to make them widely accessible. 
• Policy Linkage: The initiative aligns with the New Delhi Declaration (Gyan Bharatam Conference) and supports the vision of showcasing India’s culture, literature and consciousness. 
• Implementation Framework: Survey will be conducted through state-level committees chaired by the Chief Secretary and district-level committees chaired by the District Magistrate.