Parliament Question: Preservation of Manuscript Books and Records Papers

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 179 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.07.2026 Preservation of Manuscript Books and Records Papers 179. Dr. Thirumaavalavan Tholkappiyan: The text of the question is as follows:- Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state: (a) the details of the number of preserved manuscript books / records / papers in Palm leaves, Birch Bark, Parchment, Papyrus etc., along with their time period; and (b) the details of such manuscripts preserved by the Central Government and each of the State Governments and Union Territories? ANSWER MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) & (b) Gyan Bharatam, Ministry of Culture, at present, maintains the records of the manuscripts available in its own portal. Accordingly,the material-wise details of the manuscripts available in the Gyan Bharatam Portal is mentioned below: Sl. No Material No of manuscripts i. Paper 83045 ii. Palm leaf 5772 iii. Birch Bark 3 iv. Parchment 0 However, each manuscript belongs to a different historical period and ascertainment of it’s time period is, in general, subject to the research and de-codification of manuscript which is a continuous process. *****