Paper Research Division
Overview
The Paper Research Division, NRLC is one of its core scientific divisions, dedicated to the scientific research, conservation, restoration and preservation of India’s paper-based cultural heritage. Since the establishment of NRLC, the Division has contributed significantly to the development and standardization of scientific conservation practices for manuscripts, archival records, rare books, maps, drawings, prints, and paintings on paper, official records, photographs and other documentary materials.
In its initial years, the Division focused mainly on the conservation of historical manuscripts and archival documents held in museums, libraries, archives, universities, monasteries, temples and private collections. During the 1980s and 1990s, it developed and standardized procedures for surface cleaning, deacidification, strengthening, repair, restoration and long-term preservation of deteriorated paper materials. Over time, its activities have expanded from conventional restoration to multidisciplinary scientific research involving material characterization, analytical examination, accelerated ageing, environmental monitoring, preventive conservation and the development of eco-friendly and sustainable conservation materials and technologies.
The Division addresses the various causes of deterioration of paper, including natural ageing, acidity, environmental fluctuations, pollution, insects, fungi, improper storage and handling, and natural disasters. Its research and conservation methodologies are developed with particular consideration of Indian climatic conditions. The Division also provides technical assistance, condition assessment, conservation treatment, preservation planning, environmental monitoring and consultancy services to museums, archives, libraries, universities and other cultural institutions. Capacity building through training programmes, workshops, internships and professional education is another important area of its activities.
Major Research Areas
The Paper Research Division undertakes multidisciplinary research in the following major areas:
- Paper characterization and fibre studies — identification of paper fibres, characterization of historic and handmade papers, and study of traditional paper-making technologies
- Deterioration and ageing — investigation of the physical and chemical deterioration of paper, including acidity, oxidation, mechanical weakness and the effects of environmental conditions
- Ink corrosion — scientific study of ink-related deterioration and its impact on historical documents and manuscripts
- Deacidification — development and evaluation of methods for reducing acidity and improving the stability and longevity of acidic paper
- Conservation materials — development and evaluation of indigenous, conservation-grade and environmentally sustainable repair papers, Japanese tissues, adhesives and other materials
- Repair and strengthening — research on tear repair, loss compensation, reinforcement, leaf casting and other methods for strengthening fragile paper objects
- Accelerated ageing and treatment evaluation — scientific assessment of the long-term stability and effectiveness of conservation materials and treatments
- Environmental and preventive conservation — environmental monitoring, risk assessment and development of preventive conservation strategies for paper collections
- Disaster management and climate change — research on disaster preparedness, recovery of paper collections and adaptation strategies for the impact of climate change on documentary heritage
- Sustainable and advanced technologies — development of green conservation approaches and exploration of emerging technologies such as nanomaterials, digital documentation and AI-assisted condition assessment
Through scientific research, conservation practice, technical services, training and collaboration with national and international institutions, the Paper Research Division continues to contribute to the protection and sustainable preservation of India's rich documentary heritage for future generations.
Our Team
The employees working at present in the Paper Research Division:
| S. No. | Name of the Employee | Designation | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Sanjay Prasad Gupta | Scientist-B | PhD, M.Sc. |
| 2 | Kumari Deeksha | MTS | B.Sc. |