Text to Tech: Preserving Ancient Hindu Texts in the Digital Realm

Abstract

In the 21st century, with artificial intelligence dominating the world scenario, why should preserving ancient Hindu texts take a back seat? Ancient Hindu texts consisting of the Vedas, Epics, Puranas, Sangam Literature, and folk narratives in various languages were written on fragile palm leaves, birch barks, and old manuscripts that have deteriorated over time. Cloud technology has paved the way for creating digital libraries that can be accessed with a button. Easy as it may seem, it is a Herculean task considering the huge volume and complex nature of the ancient Hindu texts, which span over thousands of millennia. The process of digitisation involves scanning, transcribing, and encoding these texts in digital formats, ensuring accessibility, longevity, and scholarly analysis. Digital archives and open-access platforms allow scholars, historians, and enthusiasts worldwide to study and decipher these scriptures easily in the comfort of their homes. However, challenges such as script disparities, loss of original copies, and ethical concerns regarding cultural ownership must be addressed to ensure accurate and respectful digitisation. This paper explores the significance, methodologies, challenges, and prospects of ancient Hindu texts and their impact on academic research, cultural preservation, and global accessibility. By leveraging modern technology, the timeless wisdom of Hindu scriptures can be preserved for future generations while fostering cross-cultural understanding and scholarly discourse.