Department of Delhi Archives Government of NCT of Delhi

History and Founding

The Department of Delhi Archives was established in 1972 on the recommendations of the Indian Historical Records Commission, a pioneering advisory body under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Its founding purpose was to preserve the archival heritage of Delhi in the form of rare documents, maps, photographs, manuscripts, and books for research and administrative use. In 1986, the department relocated to its present building, which was constructed in accordance with archival standards. The Bhagat Singh Archives and Resource Centre was established by the department and inaugurated on 23 March 2018.

Collections and Holdings

The Department of Delhi Archives is one of the richest and most scientifically maintained archives in India. Its holdings span records from the late eighteenth century onward, with the bulk of materials relating to the period after 1857. Primary sources include public records, manuscripts, private papers, maps, rare books, and photographs. Notable collections document the First War of Independence, the Indian National Congress movements, the Ghadar Movement, the Quit India Movement, and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's Indian National Army. The department's library contains more than 1,500 books in various languages, including photocopied rare books no longer available in print.

Notable Materials

The archives hold records of significant relevance to journalists and media historians, including copies of notifications published in the Gazette of India, Punjab Gazette, and Delhi Gazette. The department is responsible for issuing certified copies of Registration Records, Gazettes, and Jail Registers to the public.

Access and Usage

Access to records is governed by the Public Records Act, 1993 and the Public Records Rules, 1997, as adopted by the Government of NCT of Delhi. Researchers and members of the public must register through the e-Abhilekh online portal. Registration is free of charge; offline registration is not available. Digitisation and microfilming of records are ongoing, with digitised material made available through customised retrieval software.

Preservation and Outreach

The department undertakes preventive, curative, and restorative preservation activities to minimise physical and chemical deterioration of its holdings. Records are stored in a compactor system meeting archival standards. The Government of NCT of Delhi has also instituted a fellowship programme covering archival research, conservation, records management, information technology applications, and publication of archival research.