Aims and objectives
The libraries in 24 remote archive centers across seven districts in Bhutan have outstanding and venerable manuscripts. Unfortunately, these manuscripts had remained undigitized, unstudied, and insufficiently cared for. Many were on the verge of deterioration and at risk of being lost forever, potentially becoming inaccessible to future generations if not preserved in time. The project provided vital support in documenting and digitizing the entire collection of these endangered manuscripts using digital cameras.
For details of the monasteries, dzongs and temples holding manuscripts, as well as the relevant historical figures, see these documents:
Outcomes
The project successfully photographed 2,466 manuscripts from all 20 main archive centers and four sub-archive centers with the outcome of 394,697 digital files. The collection from these 24 archive centers reflects the significant size and scope of the digitized manuscripts, preserving an invaluable part of Bhutan’s heritage. The project team undertook additional efforts to improve the preservation of the manuscripts. Bookshelves were cleaned, book covers replaced, and scattered books organized. Many of the manuscripts had remained untouched for years, leaving archive owners unaware of their contents and condition. Through these activities, the project not only safeguarded the physical integrity of the manuscripts but also deepened the archive owners' understanding of their cultural and historical significance. The centres and numbers of manuscripts digitised are listed below:
Bumthang
1. Buli Goenpa (166)
2. Chorten Nyingpo (10)
3. Zhuri Lhakhang (16)
4. Choedepung (142)
5. Nimalung (154)
Haa Valley
6. Katsho Gonpa (22)
7. Sidrag Gonpa (47)
8. Anag Gonpa (7)
9. Tsuntshang Gonpa (23)
10. Yangthang Gonpa (59)
11. Jadue Gonpa (60)
Mongar
12. Mongar Dzong (168)
Paro
13. Tencha Gonpa (20)
Pemagatshel
14. Yongla Gonpa (303)
15. Tshelingkhor Lhakhang (94)
16. Woongchilo Lhakhang (59)
Thimphu
17. Talangkha Gonpa (126)
18. Lhadzong Tashigang (231)
19. Semtokha Dzong (113)
Trashigang
20. Khaling Gonpa (157)
21. Khaling Nagtshang (66)
22. Yonphu Lhakhang (171)
23. Trashigang Dzong (165)
24. Kupijigsa Lhakhang (96)
