CIOInsider India Magazine
iHub Drishti to Build Two AR and VR Platforms for ASI
According to reports, iHub Drishti, the technology innovation of the Indian institute of technology, Jodhpur is developing two augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) platforms for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Amit Bhardwaj, assistant professor, IIT-Jodhpur says, “ASI wants us to build a digital museum using AR and VR. The services will have a game-based platform to attract the younger generation’s interest in archaeology.”
The government agency which comes under the ministry of culture is involved in archaeological research and expeditions, and is responsible for preserving monuments and maintaining museums. While its core function is to protect historic sites, it has dabbled in VR technologies as well.
Reports suggest that, In April 2020, ASI entered a partnership with Google’s arts and culture division to offer an immersive VR experience at five historical sites, including Taj Mahal in Agra, Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, Maharashtra’s Ajanta and Ellora caves, and Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh. It is available on the Google Arts and Culture app and can be watched on a smartphone by using a Google Cardboard VR headset.
The platforms could significantly boost interest in lesser-known historical and archaeological artefacts in India. The ASI has conducted some of the greatest excavations in history, but findings of some of these projects could never be displayed in a museum due to space constraints
Kurush Dalal, former professor of archaeology, University of Mumbai, and director, school of archaeology, India Student Centre Trust says, “The platforms could significantly boost interest in lesser-known historical and archaeological artefacts in India. The ASI has conducted some of the greatest excavations in history, but findings of some of these projects could never be displayed in a museum due to space constraints. Having a VR museum built specifically to showcase the ASI’s achievements could bring out historical items that have never been seen before.”
