NEWS: Karnataka govt mulls law to preserve, digitise manuscripts available across State. The Bill is a first-of-its kind and people in possession of the manuscripts will have to self declare the same to the government irrespective of the condition of the manuscript.

About

The Karnataka Jnana Bhandar Manuscripts and Digitalisation Bill 2025: Objective of preserving and digitizing manuscripts available across the State.

Features

• Karnataka Manuscripts Authority will conduct a comprehensive survey of manuscripts with their origins or linked to Karnataka, in public and private custody within the state and beyond
• Empowesr the authority to survey, document, conserve, digitalise, research, publish and provide public access to the manuscripts
• Handwritten or palm leaf records, birch bark, paper, cloth, copper plate or stone inscriptions or any other material will be surveyed.
• The only condition is that they should not be printed nor lithographed in any other Indian or foreign script.
• Miniature paintings on palm leaf or paper and audio-visual recording of oral traditions regarding the ancient knowledge will also be undertaken for preservation of manuscripts.