Technical Standards and Digitization Protocols
Gyan Bharatam follows stringent technical standards to preserve manuscript integrity, including:
- High-quality scanning with minimum 400 DPI, 24-bit color using non-destructive face-up scanners.
- Image post-processing including de-skewing, cropping, light equalization, and removal of digital noise.
- Master files stored in TIFF v6.0, access copies in JPEG, searchable PDFs with watermarks.
- Long-term storage via LTO-9 tapes with cloud-based backup and disaster recovery.
- AI-integrated digital platform and mobile application for global accessibility.
- Detailed metadata capture across descriptive, structural, technical, and administrative levels.
Network of Centres
The mission functions through a nationwide network of 45 Cluster Centres and 17 Independent Centres. Each centre contributes to digitization, cataloguing, and dissemination of manuscripts:
- Cluster Centres include institutions such as Assam University, Nava Nalanda Mahavihar, Central Sanskrit University, Oriental Institute Baroda, and University of Kerala.
- Independent Centres include Khuda Baksh Oriental Public Library, Adhyatma Parivar Trust, Kurukshetra University, Chinmaya International Foundation, and Hindi Sahitya Sammelan.
State and Technical Collaboration
So far, 20 States and UTs have been onboarded as nodal coordinating authorities. Technical partners have deployed scanners, developed survey apps, and provided continuous storage and security support. A detailed manual on preservation and conservation has been circulated to experts for feedback.
Through these combined efforts, Gyan Bharatam ensures manuscripts are not only preserved but made digitally accessible for scholars, researchers, and the public globally.
