Digitization of Museums and Archives by Ministry of Culture
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
The Ministry of Culture provided an update on the digitization of museum collections and archival records in a Rajya Sabha reply on July 23, 2026. As of July 15, 2026, over 3.75 lakh artifacts from 11 museums have been digitized and made available online via the 'Museums of India' portal. The National Archives of India has digitized over 17.67 crore images as of July 21, 2026.
Background
The Ministry of Culture has been implementing digitization initiatives for museums and archives using the 'Jatan' software developed with C-DAC, Pune. A national digital repository called 'Museums of India' portal hosts digitized collections from eight national museums, two ASI site museums, and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum, Pune. The 'Gyan Bharatam Mission' aims to preserve India's manuscript heritage, and the 'Abhilekh Patal' portal provides access to digitized archival records.
Key facts
Digitization initiative uses 'Jatan' software developed with C-DAC, Pune.
'Museums of India' portal hosts digitized collections from 8 national museums, 2 ASI site museums, and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum, Pune.
As of 15 July 2026, 3,75,707 out of 4,88,983 artifacts (76.83%) digitized and available online.
National Archives of India has digitized 17,67,40,596 (approx. 17.67 crore) images as of 21 July 2026.
Digitized archival records are uploaded on 'Abhilekh Patal' portal.
'Gyan Bharatam Mission' portal provides over 3.5 lakh digitized manuscripts.
Financial assistance of Rs. 25 lakh provided under Museum Grant Scheme for digitization in last three financial years.
Top digitization percentages: Salar Jung Museum (99.96%), ASI Nagarjunakonda Museum (99.96%), NGMA Mumbai (100%).
Prelims pointers
- Jatan software: developed by C-DAC, Pune for museum digitization.
- Museums of India portal: national digital repository for museum collections.
- Abhilekh Patal portal: for digitized archival records of National Archives of India.
- Gyan Bharatam Mission: for digitization and preservation of manuscripts.
- National Archives of India (NAI): under Ministry of Culture.
- Museum Grant Scheme: provides financial assistance for digitization.
- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum, Pune: included in digitization initiative.
- ASI site museums: Goa and Nagarjunakonda.
- NGMA: National Gallery of Modern Art (New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru).
- Salar Jung Museum, Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, National Museum, Allahabad Museum.
Mains angles
- Discuss the significance of digitization of cultural heritage for preservation and public access.
- Examine the role of technology (e.g., Jatan software) in safeguarding India's archival and museum resources.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of government schemes like Museum Grant Scheme and Gyan Bharatam Mission in promoting digital heritage.