Central Vista: How will records in National Archives annexe be kept safe, historians ask department

More than 100 historians from India and across the world have written to the head of the National Archives, seeking clarity on how documents stored in the department’s annexe, which is proposed to be demolished and replaced with a new building as part of the Central Vista redevelopment project, will be kept safe.

The main building of the National Archives will not be demolished, the Centre has said.

The signatories, who include professors from top American and Indian universities, said the National Archives of India’s annexe building houses several important documents relevant to historical research. “What is to become of the materials currently in this Annexe building?” they asked National Archives Director General Chandan Sinha in their letter.

The historians added: “We seek further information about the deliberations on the proposed rehousing of these materials and the plan of action to keep the records safe during and after the demolition and rebuilding of the Annexe.”

The historians sough clarity on the timeline for the completion of the redevelopment of the National Archives annexe and access to records stored there, so that scholars could plan their research projects accordingly. “Historians from central and state universities from all over India and the world use these papers for…

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