This article examines the digitisation of historical documents in Maharashtra, focusing on its major challenges and emerging possibilities. The state possesses a rich archival heritage, including Maratha-period administrative records, colonial files, land revenue registers, and private manuscript collections preserved in institutions. While digitisation initiatives have gained momentum, the transition from physical to digital preservation remains complex and uneven. The article identifies key challenges such as the fragile condition and vast volume of records, technical difficulties in digitising Modi and other historical scripts, inadequate funding and infrastructure, absence of standardised metadata practices, technological obsolescence, and shortage of trained archival personnel. It argues that digitisation must integrate conservation, sustainable digital storage, and clear access policies rather than focus solely on scanning. At the same time, the study highlights future possibilities, including AI-based handwriting recognition, improved OCR for Marathi, integrated digital repositories, and digital humanities applications. It concludes that coordinated policy, technological innovation, and institutional collaboration can enable Maharashtra to build a sustainable and accessible digital archival ecosystem.
Dr. Gouri Desai (Wed,) studied this question.