MANUSCRIPTS COLLECTION IN MICROFILM / MICROFISCHE
It is estimated that India possesses more than five million manuscripts, making her the largest repository of manuscript wealth in the world. Though our ancestors had tried to preserve these manuscripts, thousands of such valued unpublished Indian manuscripts on varied subjects are scattered across Indian and foreign collections, making them inaccessible to scholars. This invaluable and unique pool of knowledge is under threat and manuscripts are disappearing at an alarming rate.
Recognising the need to encompass and preserve these knowledge resources and to make them accessible to scholars and researchers, Kala Nidhi Reprography Unit has initiated a manuscript-microfilming programme a few years back. The IGNCA has approached many of the private and public institutions and individuals who are in possession of valuable manuscripts, preferably in Sanskrit , and has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with each of them for microfilming their manuscripts. So far the Reprography Unit has microfilmed over 2.78 lakh manuscripts in 21722 microfilm rolls. All the rolls have been duplicated, digitized and catalogued.
Scholars and researchers can access this microfilm/microfiche collection at the Kala Nidhi Reprography Unit. They can also obtain copies, subject to copyright restrictions and the conditions spelt out in the MOUs.
Catalogue of Manuscripts available in IGNCA
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Some of the reprographic material of various primary and secondary texts has also been obtained from many renowned institutions abroad such as –
Bibliotheque Nationale (Paris)
Cambridge University Library (Cambridge)
Staatsbibliothek (Berlin)
INION (Russia)
Wellcome Institute for the History of Medicine (London)
Oriental & India Office Collection, British Library (London)
Access to IGNCA Manuscripts Collection
Scholars and researchers can access this microfilm/microfiche collection at the IGNCA. They can also obtain copies, subject to copyright restrictions, and indeed the conditions spelt out in the MOUs signed between IGNCA and concerned manuscript Library. As a general practice, one need to seek permission of concerned library to obtain a copy of the manuscript from IGNCA Collection. Copies are being made available in Digital / Microfilm / Print formats on charge basis. The consultation to all above manuscripts at IGNCA Reference Library is open to all without any charges. Online catalogue of these manuscripts will be made available soon. More details regarding above collection and its access can be had from:
Librarian & Head-Kala Nidhi Division
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts(IGNCA)
(An Autonomous body under Ministry of Culture. Govt. of India)
11 Man Singh Road, New Delhi-110001
Phone: 91-11-2338333, Fax: 91-11-23385884
