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Oriental Research Library of Kashmir: A Treasure Trove
Abstract and Figures
The study carries out subject and linguistic analysis of
manuscript collection of Oriental Research library
(Srinagar) through examining various hand lists to
estimate contents and standardising subject terms
employing international vocabulary tools. The findings
reveal that majority of manuscripts belong to religious
text or literary works. Few of the manuscripts deal with
Pure or Applied Sciences. Meagre number is written in
local languages and major portion of the collection is in
West Asian languages.
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Although libraries are in existence from the time writing got evolved. However, preservation aspects were not taken into consideration seriously till recent times when the damage by different factors was noticed. The damage by insects, human, environmental factors and others could cause a vacuum to the already accumulated knowledge over the centuries of human history. The present study is an effort in this direction to ascertain the various facts related to preservation in different libraries in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. The situation can be considered to be threatening as there is lack of awareness among the Library and Information Science professionals. Further, the libraries are not well equipped and well maintained except few ones.
The study focuses on development of digital library of Kashmiri handicraft "Papier-Machie". The art is one of the most famous and exported handicraft of Kashmir. The Greenstone Digital Library Software has been used to design digital library of "Paper-Machie" handicraft. The digital library will be a knowledge resource providing opportunities for storing, managing and retrieving information about each facet of the craft including designs, products, shapes, sizes and material used etc. The study is first of its kind as it highlights the treasure trove of one of the crafts of Kashmir. It will open a new vista of creation of digital library or heritage repository.
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review the literature about oriental manuscript collections in India and provide an overview of the area.
Design/methodology/approach
A core set of literature on oriental manuscript collections in India was retrieved after doing a thorough literature search in different databases. Literature on various aspects of this topic was reviewed. The paper is organized based on various themes to make the study fruitful for various sections of society.
Findings
Oriental manuscripts are present in different research libraries, university libraries and public libraries in India but university libraries are leading others in preserving these manuscripts, with few exceptions. Manuscripts are available in different oriental languages but mostly in Sanskrit. Every religious sect in India has contributed immensely in collecting and preserving these manuscripts. The contribution of famous kings of Indian history is also enormous in this regard.
Research limitations/implications
The review does not claim to be exhaustive, as most sources might have been skipped during the study for their non‐availability.
Originality/value
This paper provides a concise overview of manuscripts present in different Indian libraries and research institution/universities and provides a valuable entry point to the field of Indian manuscripts for research scholars, information scientists and other interested parties.
After a short historical introduction about Hunayn's life and about the foundation and development of the Escurialense Library, the article deals with the Arabic collection which is kept in it. Hunayn is the author of some work in the Escurialense codices, and the translator of some others. Particularly, three codices containing original medical works by Hunayn are listed here and commented on in detail, together with twenty-five containing Hunayn's translations of Hippocratic and Galenic texts. Some astrological texts are also treated.
One of the larger, and probably the least well-known collections of oriental manuscripts, printed books and other two-dimensional material in the United Kingdom (and possibly in Europe) is to be found in the library of the Wellcome Institute for the History of Medicine. The collection includes over 10,000 manuscripts, some 900 written on palm leaves, and others on paper, metal, leather and ivory. There are about 3,000 books printed in oriental scripts, prints, drawings, paintings, and items of photographic material. Over 30 languages are represented in the collection.
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