The Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Development (iLEAD) and the Asiatic Society, a distinguished organization devoted to the promotion of historical and cultural studies, have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This groundbreaking partnership will use state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) and creative research techniques to preserve and record India’s rich archaeological and historical legacy.

Lt Col Anant Sinha, Administrator, The Asiatic Society, Mr. Pradip Chopra, Chairman, iLEAD and others graced the event.

The MoU creates a framework for collaboration in several important areas, such as: –

Marine Archaeological Research – Investigating the marine archaeology of the Sundarbans and Murshidabad waters.

Manuscript Translation and Preservation-  AI is being used to improve faded text and images while digitizing and translating old manuscripts into English written in Brahmi and other classical scripts.

Museumology and Archival preservation- AI-powered advancements in museumology and archival preservation are being made to protect historical documents and artifacts.

Documentary and web series production- Producing documentaries and web series entails making films that delve into India’s past, the Asiatic Society’s legacy, and significant historical figures and occasions.

Textile Documentation- Creating educational pamphlets to raise public awareness of the historical significance of Indian textiles.

The Asiatic Society will grant access to its vast historical records and archival collections as part of the agreement, and it will also offer scholarly advice to direct research activities. With its expertise in AI-driven innovation and media production, iLEAD will use cutting-edge digital tools to restore manuscripts and spearhead the production of engaging documentary content to make history more accessible.

Along with short-term courses on museumology and artifact preservation, the partnership will also include specialized workshops, seminars, and training programs on the use of AI in historical research and conservation.

In order to ensure the sustainability of their initiatives, The Asiatic Society and iLEAD will work together to investigate funding opportunities for research and production projects. In order to promote a greater understanding of India’s rich cultural heritage, both institutions are dedicated to disseminating their research to academics, students, and the general public.

The Asiatic Society and iLEAD’s historic collaboration is a prime example of how academia and technology can work together to safeguard, conserve, and advance India’s rich cultural heritage.

Priyanka Dutta