The National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) was launched in 2003 with the vital aim of documenting, conserving, digitizing, and sharing India's rich manuscript heritage. This initiative focuses on the preservation of rare and ancient manuscripts, enhancing access for researchers and the general public, and ensuring their longevity for future generations. The NMM collaborates with various Manuscripts Resource Centres (MRCs) and Manuscripts Conservation Centres (MCCs) across India.
Since its inception, the NMM has successfully documented approximately 5.2 million manuscripts from diverse regions of India. These manuscripts cover a wide array of subjects, including ancient science, literature, philosophy, and religion, showcasing India's extensive cultural and intellectual wealth.
In terms of conservation, the NMM has preserved around 90 million folios of manuscripts, focusing on fragile and deteriorating materials. The conservation process utilizes both preventive and remedial techniques, often incorporating traditional methods to maintain the manuscripts' authenticity. Additionally, the mission conducts conservation workshops aimed at training new conservators and enhancing awareness of preservation practices.
Digitization serves as a cornerstone of the NMM's mission, making manuscripts globally accessible while protecting the physical copies from overuse. To date, the mission has digitized 350,000 manuscripts, which amount to about 35 million pages. These digitized manuscripts are gradually being uploaded to the NMM’s online portal, providing safe and convenient access for researchers and the public alike.
Researchers can find around 125,000 manuscripts uploaded on the NMM online portal, with approximately 75,000 available for free access. This initiative facilitates digital study of India's manuscript heritage for scholars, students, and enthusiasts worldwide. Furthermore, the mission has published over 100 books covering various topics related to manuscripts, including translations and critical editions of previously unpublished texts.
The NMM actively promotes public involvement through lectures, seminars, and workshops focused on manuscript studies, conservation, and cataloging. These outreach efforts aim to raise awareness regarding India's manuscript wealth and inspire interest in preserving this heritage. Training programs are also offered to develop skills in manuscriptology, conservation, and the analysis of ancient scripts.
The National Mission for Manuscripts is integral to safeguarding India's manuscript heritage, merging modern technology with traditional preservation methods and fostering public engagement to ensure the survival of these invaluable historical documents.
Q1. What is the primary goal of the National Mission for Manuscripts?
Answer: The primary goal of the National Mission for Manuscripts is to document, conserve, digitize, and disseminate India's manuscript heritage for future generations.
Q2. How many manuscripts has the NMM documented?
Answer: The NMM has documented approximately 5.2 million manuscripts, covering various subjects like science, literature, and philosophy.
Q3. What conservation achievements has the NMM made?
Answer: The NMM has conserved around 90 million folios of manuscripts, employing preventive and remedial conservation techniques.
Q4. How can researchers access manuscripts?
Answer: Researchers can access about 125,000 manuscripts online, with 75,000 available for free, through the NMM's online portal.
Q5. What initiatives does NMM undertake for public engagement?
Answer: The NMM conducts lectures, seminars, and workshops to promote manuscript studies and raise awareness about India's manuscript heritage.
Question 1: When was the National Mission for Manuscripts established?
A) 2000
B) 2003
C) 2005
D) 2010
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How many manuscripts has the NMM digitized so far?
A) 200,000
B) 350,000
C) 500,000
D) 1,000,000
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is the focus of the NMM's conservation efforts?
A) Modern manuscripts
B) Rare and ancient manuscripts
C) Digital texts
D) Contemporary literature
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: How many manuscripts are available for free access on the NMM portal?
A) 50,000
B) 75,000
C) 100,000
D) 125,000
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What kind of workshops does the NMM conduct?
A) Creative writing
B) Conservation workshops
C) Digital marketing
D) Historical fiction
Correct Answer: B
Kutos : AI Assistant!
