The Department of Art & Culture, Government of Nagaland has initiated a state-wide manuscript survey under the Gyan Bharatam Mission, a national initiative of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

The Gyan Bharatam Mission aims to identify, document and create a comprehensive national database of manuscripts and historically significant records across the country, with a view to preserving India’s documentary heritage and traditional knowledge systems for future generations.

The Mission recognizes that many valuable manuscripts and records are currently scattered across institutions, religious centres, community repositories and private collections, and that a large number of these remain undocumented.

In Nagaland, the nature of documentary heritage is distinct, as much of the State’s historical knowledge has traditionally been preserved outside formal archival institutions. Such materials are commonly found in church archives, missionary records, village institutions, early translations, customary records and private family collections.

The ongoing survey seeks to systematically identify such materials and document their details through a national digital platform.

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The Department has appealed to all institutions, organizations and individuals to extend their cooperation by sharing information regarding any manuscripts or old records in their possession.

It is emphasized that the survey is limited to documentation and recording of information only, and does not involve removal or transfer of materials from their custodians.

Public participation is vital for the successful implementation of the Mission and for ensuring that Nagaland’s valuable documentary heritage is properly identified, documented and preserved.”