Mysuru is a city which has a rich history in literature. There is a unique place called The Oriental Research Institute (ORI) which was established in Mysore by HH Chamaraja Wodeyar – X in the year 1891.
This institute was started with the objective of collecting, preserving and critically editing palm leaf and paper manuscripts. It was originally known as the ‘Government Oriental Library’ and was given its present name in 1943. ORI was a part of the Department of Education until 1916. It became a part of the newly established University of Mysore from 1916. Experts of Sanskrit, Kannada and other languages were appointed to ORI to identify, classify, and catalogue thousands of palm-leaf and paper manuscripts.
There are also many rare books which were collected by the pundits working in the Institute for study, research and publication purposes. There is a library consisting of works on literature, culture and allied subjects.
The Institute has collected more than 21,000 manuscript bundles consisting of more than 70,000 works from various parts of Karnataka and also from outside the state. It has a library of more than 40,000 printed books related to Sanskrit studies, catering to the needs of teachers, students and scholars all round the world.
Taking care of the treasure
In the beginning, oil traditionally made in Melukote was used to preserve the manuscripts. Citronella oil is being used for preservation now. In 1954, a microfilm scanner was introduced to preserve the manuscripts. The Institute has microfilmed more than 4,000 manuscripts by the scanner. Preservation is now made easy with a Digital 1800 DPI HDR Scanner. Since the introduction of the scanner, ORI has scanned more than 2,000 manuscripts to fulfil the purpose of scholars and the same is facilitated to the interested researchers.
The precious manuscripts are being digitised and preserved with HDR Scanning technology. This will facilitate the supply and dissemination of information to scholars all over the world.
Arthashastra: A prized possession
The complete palm-leaf manuscript of Arthashastra of Kautilya in granta script was discovered and edited for the first time by Dr.R. Shamashastri, a well-known scholar and Librarian of ORI. In 1909, for the first time in the world, this work was published. Publication of this work brought international acclamation to this Institution.
Aesthetic Architecture
Right from the beginning, The Oriental Research Institute (ORI) has been housed in the architecturally attractive Jubilee Hall. This hall was built in 1887 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria’s accession to the British throne. This is a fascinating heritage structure with aesthetically pleasing architecture. The building stands intact and immaculate.