Kodagu Launches Manuscript Survey to Preserve Kannada Heritage

Kodagu district has launched a comprehensive manuscript survey under the state government's *Gyan Bharatam Mission*, aiming to preserve valuable linguistic and cultural heritage by the end of May. Deputy Commissioner SJ Somashekhar emphasized that ancient manuscripts on palm leaves and paper serve as critical resources for studying old Kannada and other regional languages.

The initiative focuses on systematic documentation, scientific conservation, and digitization of handwritten records found in temples, traditional homes (ainmanes), and heritage sites across the district. Officials will collaborate with historians and community elders to identify manuscripts, which will be scanned and returned to owners.

Residents can participate by uploading manuscript details through the *Gyan Bharatam* app or sharing information with district survey teams. The Archaeology Department has identified key repositories including Omkareshwar Temple, Palur Mahalingeshwar Temple, and various traditional storage facilities. This multidisciplinary effort aims to protect manuscripts that provide foundational material for linguistic research and preserve traditional knowledge systems embedded in regional languages.