The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently adopted a digital approach to bring Indian history and heritage closer to the public. Museums under ASI have been digitised using JATAN Software, a revolutionary tool that allows for the creation of a virtual replica of the museum’s collections. This innovative application is making strides in preserving and sharing India’s rich history and cultural heritage.
JATAN: A Virtual Museum Builder Software
JATAN software is a pioneering technology that enables the development of an all-inclusive digital collection management system. It has been deployed in several national museums across India, including those under the ASI. Devised by the Human Centres Design and Computing Group at the Centre for Development of Smart Computing (C-DAC) Pune, its primary goal is to create a comprehensive digital record of all museum objects.
This digital imprinting process not only aids researchers and curators but also offers valuable insights to anyone interested in learning about India’s past. By digitising these invaluable artefacts, JATAN ensures that India’s historical treasures remain accessible regardless of their physical and geographical locations.
National Portal and Digital Repository
The virtual imprints produced by JATAN are amalgamated into a national digital repository and portal. Developed by C-DAC, Pune, this state-of-the-art platform offers a consolidated access to theme-based historical collections and artefacts. With categories ranging from sculptures and paintings to manuscripts, weapons and even coins, the repository covers a wide spectrum of India’s cultural heritage.
Improving Accessibility with “Darshak”
| Software | Purpose | Developed by |
|---|---|---|
| JATAN | Digital Collection Management | C-DAC, Pune |
| Darshak | Museum Accessibility for Differently-Abled | C-DAC, Pune |
| National Digital Repository | Integrated Access to Collections | C-DAC, Pune |
In addition to these advancements, C-DAC has also pioneered the development of “Darshak”, a mobile-based application targeted at enhancing museum visit experiences for the differently-abled. This revolutionary app allows visitors to gather detailed information about exhibits simply by scanning a QR code placed near the artefact.
Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC)
C-DAC is a renowned Research & Development institution under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It leads the way in research and development in IT, electronics, and associated areas. C-DAC has a solid record of notable contributions, including the creation of India’s first supercomputer PARAM 8000 in 1991. Today, it continues to harness technology to pioneer advances in digitalisation and accessibility, as demonstrated by its role in the digitisation of Indian museums.