Archives abroad: Rare documents of the National Archives of India made public

Rare documents and photographs of national importance that were under the control of the National Archives of India (NAI) have now been made available to the public. This has been made possible by an amendment to the law that governs confidentiality of national archives.

The record centre of the National Archives of India in Puducherry is hosting a week-long exhibition of documents and photographs titled Independence to Republic' to commemorate the 62nd Republic Day celebrations on its premises from January 25. The exhibition includes 150 rare documents and photographs, and will conclude on January 31.

Some of the exhibits include FIR on the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi dated January 30, 1948, first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's address at the historic Lahore session of the Indian National Congress in December 1929, INC secretary's circular on Independence Day pledge and a telegram from the Bengal governor to the Viceroy on the communal situation in southeast Bengal in 1946.

There are several rare pictures that include Nehru signing the Constitution papers, Gandhi boarding a bullock cart, refugees during the Partition, swearing in ceremonies of acting governor general Rajagopalachari and Lord Mountbatten among others.

"The objective is to promote awareness on the archives among masses as well as to educate the public about Indian heritage. This exhibition aims to enlighten people regarding our history through official records, documents and photographs. It depicts the growth of parliamentary democracy from independence to republic," NAI archivist Murugesan told.