Mysuru: The Department of Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage has launched an ambitious project to digitise antiques in its museums and art galleries across Karnataka. The project, estimated to cost Rs 2.5 crore, will commence once the state government approves the draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) prepared by the department.
This initiative follows the department’s successful 3D laser scanning of 530 monuments statewide in collaboration with the Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology, completed over three years. This effort has generated a substantial amount of data.
Antique items, a significant part of Karnataka’s culture, heritage, history, and tradition, are among the main attractions in the department’s museums. The department owns 16 museums and one art gallery, housing an extensive collection of antiques from various eras.
Devaraju A, Commissioner of the Department of Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage, stated that the proposal involves scanning a large number of antiques. “Once this scanning is done, we can capture even the minute details of an antique item,” he explained. This data will be invaluable for studying the history and significance of these antiques. The digitised images will enable historians, researchers, and heritage enthusiasts to access comprehensive information about the items.
NS Rangaraju, a member of the Mysuru Heritage Committee, supports the initiative. “Basically, it will ensure that the images and details of the antiques will be available for study permanently. It will also help research scholars study various objects without visiting the art gallery or museums,” he said.
