Digital Transformation of Museums and Cultural Institutions
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
The Ministry of Culture is actively promoting digital preservation of India's cultural heritage through various initiatives. Recent developments include the use of JATAN software, the Gyan Bharatam Mission portal, and the National Science and Technology Digital Archive, highlighting the government's push for digital access to cultural resources.
Background
India has a vast cultural heritage, including manuscripts, artifacts, and archival records, which are being digitized to ensure their preservation and wider accessibility. The Ministry of Culture oversees several institutions and portals dedicated to this cause.
Key facts
The Ministry of Culture uses JATAN software, developed by C-DAC Pune, for digitization of museum collections and archival resources.
A national digital repository has been created through the Museums of India portal, featuring digital collections from eight national museums, two ASI site museums, and the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum in Pune.
The Gyan Bharatam Mission, under the Ministry of Culture, aims to protect the country's vast handwritten heritage and revive civilizational knowledge traditions.
Over 3.5 lakh manuscripts are available digitally on the Gyan Bharatam portal for public access.
The National Archives of India (NAI) digitizes archival records and uploads them on the 'Abhilekh Patal' portal for researchers and the public.
Birla Industrial and Technological Museum (BITM), Kolkata, developed a National Science and Technology Digital Archive, inaugurated on 05.12.2024, compiling letters, research papers, and manuscripts of eminent Indian scientists.
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) maintains comprehensive digital archives including manuscripts, photographs, rare books, audio-visual recordings, and art objects.
The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) integrates AR, VR, AI, computer vision, and sensor-based interaction to enhance visitor engagement.
Indian Museum, Kolkata, partnered with IIT Kharagpur for AI-based restoration of archaeological artifacts.
Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) conducts training programs for teachers and students to promote experiential learning and heritage awareness.
Prelims pointers
- JATAN software: Developed by C-DAC Pune for digitization of museum collections.
- Museums of India portal: https://museumsofindia.gov.in
- Gyan Bharatam Mission: Portal https://gyanbharatam.com/
- Abhilekh Patal: Portal of National Archives of India
- National Science and Technology Digital Archive: Developed by BITM, Kolkata
- IGNCA: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts
- NCSM: National Council of Science Museums
- CCRT: Centre for Cultural Resources and Training
- Indian Museum, Kolkata: Partnered with IIT Kharagpur for AI-based restoration
- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum, Pune: Included in digital repository
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of digital technology in preserving and promoting India's cultural heritage.
- Critically examine the effectiveness of government initiatives like Gyan Bharatam Mission in making cultural resources accessible to the public.
- Analyze the challenges and opportunities in digitizing India's vast archival and museum collections.