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TEXTUAL DIGITISATION

The Loden Foundation’s cultural programme, initiated in 2004, is dedicated to the preservation and documentation of Bhutan’s rare and remote archives, safeguarding the nation’s traditional literary heritage. Initially managed by the Shejun Agency, the project was subsequently integrated into Loden. Supported by the Endangered Archives Programme of the British Library and numerous other institutions, the Loden team has successfully digitized rare manuscripts and books from 76 archives across Bhutan. These texts, ranging from 100 to 600 years in age, encompass a wide array of subjects and are preserved within state institutions, monasteries, temples, and private collections.

While efforts are made to protect the original manuscripts, the primary objective is to preserve them in digital form and make them accessible to readers. We are currently developing a comprehensive database and web platform to facilitate broader access and are actively seeking support for this endeavor. In the interim, selected outputs from the project are already available for public consultation.

Textual Digitisation

Loden’s cultural programme, initiated in 2004, focuses on the preservation and documentation of Bhutan’s rare and remote archives, which house Bhutan’s traditional literary heritage. Originally managed by the Shejun Agency, the project was later integrated into Loden. Funded by the Endangered Archives Programe of the British Library and many other institutions, the Loden team has digitised rare manuscripts and books in 76 archives across Bhutan. The books cover a wide range of subjects and are generally 100-600 years old owned by state institutions, monasteries, temples, and private families. Beside making efforts to safeguard the original copies, we mainly aim to preserve the books in digital copies and make them available to readers. We are in the process of developing a database and web platform and looking for support. In the meantime, some of our outputs can be found here.