The largest collection of the Jain manuscripts which were otherwise lying neglected
& in the deteriorated condition in the remote places & villages of India without
realizing worth of them are being brought and preserved here. This department of
the manuscript, located in the basement of Gyanmandir is dedicated to Shri Devardhigani
Kshamashraman. The collection of about 2,50,000 manuscripts regarding, Aagamas (Jain
doctrines), darshan (Indian Philosophy), Yoga, Ayurveda, Nyaya- logic, literature,
grammar, astronomy, astrology, history etc; is like the ocean of knowledge in this
library. This library is having about 3,000 manuscripts written on the palm leaves,
which are especially stored here, as they are rare and ancient. Quite a number of
these manuscripts are invaluable as they are rarest of the rarest
The catalogue system has been developed here on the computer for effective use of
information contained in the manuscripts preserved here. The information regarding
manuscripts has been made obtainable on the computer and the lists pertaining to
the different subjects are being computerized speedily. ;
The leading Gurubhagavants (Jain monks), scholars and researchers of various subjects
of ancient heritage of knowledge, have been facilitated with the arrangement of
obtaining the photocopies of manuscripts.
For the restoration of these manuscripts, the traditional method along with acceptable
modern methods is being applied. After fumigation process hand made acid free papers
are wrapped on the manuscripts and the manuscripts are kept in cloth wrapping. The
specially designed teakwood cupboards protected with stainless steel casing, are
used to preserve the processed manuscripts. According to the planned scheme, the
important & invaluable and rare & some damaged/ fragmented manuscripts will be protected
safely by microfilming and digital scanning system.
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