Question of the Day – GYAN BHARATAM MISSION
QOTD March 18,2026
Consider the following statements regarding Gyan Bharatam Mission:
- It aims to preserve and digitise India’s manuscript heritage.
- It seeks to create a National Digital Repository of manuscripts.
- It is implemented by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
The mission aims to preserve and digitise India’s vast collection of manuscripts.
Statement 2 is correct
One of the key objectives is to create a National Digital Repository to provide access to digitised manuscripts.
Statement 3 is incorrect
The mission is implemented by the Ministry of Culture, not the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Why in news–
The Government of India has launched the Gyan Bharatam Mission to preserve, digitise and document India’s vast manuscript heritage. The mission aims to survey and digitise more than one crore manuscripts across the country and create a National Digital Repository. It is implemented by the Ministry of Culture and uses modern technologies like artificial intelligence and digital archiving to conserve India’s traditional knowledge systems for future generations.
There are more questions from this topic that you should practice to make your concepts stronger.
Practice Questions (PQ)
PQ1. Consider the following statements regarding manuscripts in India:
- Manuscripts are handwritten documents preserved on materials such as palm leaves, paper or birch bark.
- They contain knowledge related to subjects like science, medicine, philosophy and art.
- Manuscripts are always printed books produced after the invention of the printing press.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Manuscripts are handwritten texts written on materials such as palm leaves, paper or birch bark.
Statement 2 is correct
They contain knowledge on various subjects such as mathematics, science, philosophy, medicine and literature.
Statement 3 is incorrect
Manuscripts are handwritten texts and not printed books.
PQ2. Consider the following statements regarding the National Mission for Manuscripts:
- It was launched by the Government of India to preserve India’s manuscript heritage.
- It functions under the Ministry of Culture.
- It deals exclusively with archaeological monuments.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
The National Mission for Manuscripts was launched to identify, conserve and document manuscripts across India.
Statement 2 is correct
It functions under the Ministry of Culture.
Statement 3 is incorrect
The mission focuses on manuscripts and not archaeological monuments.
PQ3.Consider the following statements regarding preservation of cultural heritage in India:
- Digitisation helps in preserving fragile historical documents and manuscripts.
- Digital repositories allow scholars and researchers to access historical texts online.
- Digitisation permanently replaces the need for conservation of original manuscripts.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 2 only
Answer: (d) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Digitisation helps preserve fragile manuscripts by creating digital copies.
Statement 2 is correct
Digital repositories allow researchers and scholars to access manuscripts online.
Statement 3 is incorrect
Original manuscripts still require conservation even after digitisation.
Previous Year Question (UPSC Prelims)
With reference to the cultural history of India, the term “Tripitaka” refers to
(a) Buddhist texts
(b) Jaina texts
(c) Vedic texts
(d) Sangam literature
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Tripitaka refers to the sacred Buddhist scriptures that contain teachings of the Buddha. These texts were preserved in manuscript form for centuries and are an important part of India’s manuscript and knowledge tradition.
