Daily Current Affairs : 27-July-2024

India has a rich history of literature and information, a great deal of which is preserved in ancient manuscripts. However, many of these treasured texts were at risk of being lost due to aging and lack of proper care. In response to this, the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) was established in 2003 by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The mission’s primary goal is to document, preserve, digitize, and make available India’s vast manuscript heritage. This initiative is crucial for safeguarding centuries of cultural knowledge and ensuring it is accessible for future generations.

Key Achievements of the National Mission for Manuscripts

Since its inception, the NMM has made great progress in preserving and promoting India’s manuscript collection. Some of the key accomplishments include:

  • Documenting Manuscripts: The mission has successfully documented approximately 5.2 million manuscripts across the country, providing a detailed record of India’s ancient texts.
  • Conserving Manuscripts: Around 90 million folios of manuscripts have been conserved. This ensures that important manuscripts are protected from decay and damage.
  • Digitization Efforts: The NMM has digitized 350,000 manuscripts, which amounts to about 35 million pages. Digitization helps preserve manuscripts in a more durable format and makes them available online.
  • Workshops and Training: Over 100 conservation workshops have been conducted to train experts in manuscript conservation, ensuring that both traditional methods and modern techniques are used effectively.
  • Public Access: The mission has uploaded 140,000 manuscripts to its web portal, with 75,000 available for free public access. This makes it easier for researchers, scholars, and the general public to study and appreciate India’s manuscript heritage.
  • Publications: Since its establishment, the NMM has published over 100 books, documenting and sharing valuable research on manuscripts.

Infrastructure and Centres

To support its mission, over 100 Manuscripts Resource Centres and Manuscripts Conservation Centres have been set up across India. These centres play a vital role in the documentation, preservation, and dissemination of manuscripts, ensuring that these precious texts are cared for and made accessible to all.

Important Points:

  • Establishment of NMM: The National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) was launched in 2003 by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, to preserve and promote India’s manuscript heritage.
  • Key Goals of NMM:
    • Document, conserve, digitize, and disseminate India’s manuscript heritage.
    • Ensure manuscripts are safeguarded and accessible for future generations.
  • Achievements of NMM:
    • 5.2 million manuscripts documented across India.
    • 90 million folios of manuscripts conserved.
    • 350,000 manuscripts digitized, amounting to 35 million pages.
    • Conducted over 100 conservation workshops for manuscript preservation.
    • 140,000 manuscripts uploaded to its web portal, with 75,000 available for free public access.
    • Published over 100 books documenting and sharing research on manuscripts.
  • Infrastructure:
    • Over 100 Manuscripts Resource Centres and Manuscripts Conservation Centres set up across the country to support the mission’s goals.
  • Importance: The NMM’s efforts have ensured that India’s rich literary and cultural heritage is protected and made accessible to researchers, scholars, and the general public.
  • Focus on Public Access: The digitization and online availability of manuscripts make India’s manuscript heritage widely accessible to a global audience.
  • Training and Expertise: The mission emphasizes training experts in manuscript conservation through workshops, ensuring the use of both traditional and modern conservation techniques.

Why In News

The National Mission for Manuscripts in India aims to document, conserve, digitize, and disseminate the country’s manuscript heritage, ensuring the protection and accessibility of ancient texts for future generations. By undertaking these efforts, the mission not only preserves India’s rich cultural and intellectual legacy but also fosters greater public engagement with this invaluable heritage.

MCQs about The National Mission for Manuscripts

  1. What is the primary goal of the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM)?
    A. To promote ancient literature
    B. To document, conserve, and digitize manuscripts
    C. To create new manuscripts
    D. To conduct research on ancient texts
    Correct Answer: B. To document, conserve, and digitize manuscripts
    Explanation: The NMM’s main goal is to preserve, document, and make India’s manuscript heritage accessible by digitizing and conserving them.
  2. How many manuscripts have been digitized by NMM?
    A. 100,000 manuscripts
    B. 350,000 manuscripts
    C. 500,000 manuscripts
    D. 1 million manuscripts
    Correct Answer: B. 350,000 manuscripts
    Explanation: NMM has digitized **350,000 manuscripts**, which amounts to **35 million pages**, making them accessible online.
  3. How many Manuscripts Resource Centres have been established across India?
    A. 50 Centres
    B. 100 Centres
    C. 200 Centres
    D. 500 Centres
    Correct Answer: B. 100 Centres
    Explanation: Over **100 Manuscripts Resource Centres** and Conservation Centres have been established to support the mission’s work.
  4. What is one benefit of the digitization efforts by NMM?
    A. Selling manuscripts online
    B. Making manuscripts available for free online access
    C. Creating printed books from manuscripts
    D. Converting manuscripts into audio format
    Correct Answer: B. Making manuscripts available for free online access
    Explanation: The digitization makes manuscripts available online for **free public access**, enhancing their availability and research potential.

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