The Department of Heritage Telangana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Noor International Microfilm Centre, Iran Cultural House, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to preserve and digitise thousands of rare historical records and manuscripts. The agreement, signed on 15 June 2026, aims to safeguard valuable cultural heritage through modern conservation techniques and digital archiving.
Under the collaboration, around 737 manuscripts, 3,091 paintings, 14,522 rare books, and 101 Dastawazats (archival records) will be digitised, catalogued, repaired, and preserved. The collections include documents in Persian, Urdu, Arabic, and other languages. The entire project will be funded by the Government of Iran, with no financial burden on the Telangana government.
The initiative builds upon an earlier partnership between the Telangana State Archives and Research Institute (TSARI) and the Noor International Microfilm Centre signed in 2022. TSARI houses over 43 million historical documents, including records dating back to 1406 AD from the Bahmani, Qutb Shahi, Adil Shahi, and Mughal dynasties.
Among the rare treasures being preserved are Persian translations of the Ramayana and Bhagavata Mahapurana, Quranic verses written on gold-coated paper, and a remarkable 10.5-metre-long royal scroll. The restoration process will use advanced herbal conservation technology designed to extend the lifespan of these materials by more than 200 years.
The initiative also aligns with the Union Ministry of Culture’s Gyan Bharatam Mission, which seeks to digitise over one crore manuscripts across India. By preserving these invaluable records, Telangana is taking a significant step toward protecting India’s rich historical and cultural legacy for future generations.
