The Archives Division of Madhya Pradesh safeguards the state’s rich history, heritage, and socio-cultural evolution. It preserves invaluable records that chronicle historical events, political progress, and cultural milestones, ensuring the past remains accessible to future generations.
Since India's independence in 1947, many princely state records were lost during the integration and reorganisation process. Recognising this, systematic preservation efforts began in 1975, with a landmark initiative in 1994 under directives from the National Archives of India.
These initiatives were further reinforced by the establishment of the Indian Records Management and Administration Department in 1918, which played a crucial role in the formation of a central archive.
Today, the Archives Division of Madhya Pradesh holds a vast collection of approximately 12,000 books in Hindi, English, Urdu, Arabic, and Persian, including rare records from the princely era (1798-1956).
The Archives Department of Madhya Pradesh has also preserved 6.88 crore (68800000) documents. The records belong to the Holkar, Gwalior, Bhopal, Madhya Bharat and central provinces divisions and these rare records are in English, Hindi, Urdu, Persian, Marathi/Modi & Bundeli languages.
These archives contain invaluable documents on Madhya Pradesh’s role in India’s freedom movement, the 1857 Revolt, and other significant historical events sourced from Bhopal, Jabalpur, Mandla, Bundelkhand, Indore, Sagar, and Gwalior.
To ensure the longevity of these documents, the division employs fumigation, de-acidification, and other essential chemical treatments to prevent deterioration. Additionally, key records are digitised and microfilmed for global accessibility, facilitating historical research.
A noteworthy initiative by the division is the publication of archival records across multiple volumes, helping to disseminate historical knowledge and foster a deep sense of cultural identity. These include:
Volume 1: Records of Jabalpur and Mandla related to the 1857 First War of Independence
Volume 2: Bundeli records of the 1857 First War of Independence
Volume 3: Urdu and Persian records of the 1857 First War of Independence
Volume 4: Records of Indore, Sagar, and Jabalpur related to the 1857 First War of Independence
Through its dedicated conservation efforts, Archives Division of Madhya Pradesh plays a vital role in preserving and protecting the state’s cultural and historical heritage. By systematically collecting, organising, and safeguarding valuable historical documents, manuscripts, and photographs, the division ensures that the past remains an integral part of the present.
Header Image Credit : Archives Division of Madhya Pradesh
Sources : Archives Division of Madhya Pradesh