PANAJI
Goa’s efforts to preserve its rich documentary heritage have gathered pace, with the Directorate of Archives documenting more than 31,000 manuscripts and archival records since the launch of the State-wide manuscript survey under the Centre’s Gyan Bharatam Mission in April.
The survey, launched as part of the national initiative, aims to identify, catalogue and eventually digitise rare manuscripts kept in government institutions as well as private collections across the State.
Goa Archives Director Balaji Shenvy said the department has surveyed 31,072 manuscripts and archival records with support from the Goa State Central Library, Goa State Museum and Goa University.
“The response has been encouraging, and the survey is progressing steadily. We are documenting manuscripts from both public institutions and private collections to ensure they are preserved for future generations,”
Shenvy said.
RARE COLLECTIONS
Among the rare items preserved at the Goa State Archives is a palm-leaf manuscript of the Ramayana in Tamil.
The survey is part of the Union Ministry of Culture’s nationwide Gyan Bharatam Mission, launched in 2026 to create a comprehensive database of India’s manuscript heritage.
The mission aims to locate, document, conserve and digitise manuscripts preserved in temples, churches, libraries, museums, educational institutions and private
homes.
DIGITAL PERSERVATION
Each manuscript is catalogued with detailed information to confirm its authenticity and maintain accurate records.
Digital copies are stored in a secure repository with cloud-based backup and disaster recovery systems, making them easier for researchers to access while protecting valuable historical records.
To support the project, the Goa government has formed a State-level committee and set up the Goa State Mission for Manuscripts to coordinate documentation and conservation work.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The Directorate of Archives has appealed to individuals, families and institutions with old manuscripts or historical records to take part in the survey.
Officials said ownership of the manuscripts will remain with the custodians, while the department will only document and digitise them to ensure their long-term preservation and availability for research.
