The Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI), known for its dedicated preservation and research efforts on manuscripts and rare books, has expanded its scope to include conservation projects from private parties. As an institution with a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1917, BORI has taken on the responsibility of safeguarding not only its vast collection but also rare documents held privately.
Over the years, BORI has played a crucial role in conserving rare manuscripts and documents, and recent initiatives have further strengthened its capabilities. With funds from the Maharashtra state governor, the institute established a specialized conservation lab and launched a dedicated ‘conservation department’ in April 2023.
In the past two years alone, BORI has successfully conserved over 21,000 rare books from its extensive collection of 1.5 lakh books. The modernized lab, equipped to handle conservation projects efficiently, processes approximately four to five books daily. Notably, BORI has now ventured into private conservation projects, demonstrating its commitment to preserving valuable documents beyond its institutional holdings.
Bhupal Patwardhan, Chairman of BORI’s Executive Board, shared insights into this new chapter, stating, “We have started taking up private projects, including rare documents, pages, scripts, and various other things preserved by individuals and institutions. Till now, we have completed the conservation work of over 25 such private rare documents in the last few months.”
The vast repository at BORI encompasses over 28,000 manuscripts in languages such as Sanskrit, Prakrit, Urdu, Arabic, Persian, Devnagari, Kannada, and more. Additionally, there are over 1.5 lakh books covering diverse subjects. The ongoing digitalization process further enhances accessibility to these invaluable resources.
Varsha Kotphode, Head of the Conservation Department at BORI, highlighted the meticulous approach taken in conserving the library collection. Through techniques like archival rebinding and general book repair, the team addressed the specific needs of each book based on its archaeological value, antiquity, knowledge relevance, and rarity.
Furthermore, BORI has contributed to the education sector by offering internship projects and training students from various colleges in Pune. More than 10 interns have gained hands-on experience at BORI, with two students subsequently joining the workforce at Maharashtra state museums.
The institute’s commitment to professional conservation methods has attracted diverse projects, including the preservation of a Sardar family’s family tree document, rare pre-Independence movement documents, and other significant materials.
