Wikipedia:WikiConnect/Pilot Project/Odisha

Archaeological Survey of India Bhubaneswar Circle

Background

The concept of GLAM project and Wikipedia Outreach program came to my mind , when I attended 10th anniversary Conference of Bangla Wikipedia at Kolkata on dated 9th January 2015 during

• WikiConnect discussion
• Indian Community Consultation.

Key Points

• Getting information about archaeological history of Odsiha state.
• The process of preservation of monuments and antiquarians , maintenance of archaeological publications.
• Community engagement and community creation if needed in new rural/remote area's

Archaeological Survey of India

The Archaeological Survey of India is an Indian government agency in the Ministry of Culture that is responsible for archaeological studies and the preservation of cultural monuments.

My Work

• I have emailed the official mail id of ASI Bhuabneswar on 12th January 2015.
• Recieved the reply mail from ASI Bhuabneswar on 13th January 2015 , regarding a appointment with Superitending Archaeologist Shri. B. Vikrama.

“ Sir,

With reference to your email dated 14.01.2015 regarding face to face talk on the matters as mentioned by you, you may come on 30th January, 2015 for the same.

” — Superintending Archaeologist,Archaeological Survey of India,Bhubaneswar Circle, Bhubaneswar

• But due to some important work Sir, was not available on the given date, and the appointment was postponed to 17th february 2015.

Discussion With Superintending Archaeologist of ASI

• Explained Shri B.Vikrama about Wikipedia and its works.
• Importance of Archaeological photographs in Wikimedia Commons.
• Qrpedia and its importance
• How ASI can help Wikipedia by providing information about 100+ monuments in Odisha.
• Participation of ASI in GLAM Project.

Results/Outcomes

• ASI showed interest in Wikipedia and provided brochures of 20+ monuments.
• ASI will also help by sharing its Photographs archive with Wikimedia Commons.
• ASI will share info about their past carving projects

Problems

• Official procedures (MOU) required to get the information and photographs from ASI.
• Among 1000+ temples in odisha, ASI have information about only 168 temples.
• Information are in two types

1. Brochures type (1-2page)
2. Brief information (100+ pages) (required scholars to carry out important points from them)

• Required help from Wikimedia Foundation , Wikimedia India and Center of Internet and Society-A2K to accomplish the project.

My Role

If Foundation approves the above project , I want to Coordinate the project with the Title of Odia Wiki Outreach: Odisha Tourism and also wants to bring more government institutions within it.

Conclusion

It was nice meeting with Shri. B. Vikrama, SA - Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar and cooperated to implement the ASI project to wikimedia and suggested me to take another date with complete documentation. So, we can make MoU with ASI.