It helps a people understand the motivations of previous public officials and the workings of older regimes. In this sense, an archive holds a government and society accountable. Citizens of a democratic society hold the right to understand their past as well as the right to learn truths governments may find uncomfortable or contentious. The records of past choices are proof of the fact that every decision has a consequence. In itself, this brings a considerable nuance to an archive: of pluralism and diversity of interests. Researchers who use an archive are usually from varied academic backgrounds. I say this not just with regard to history, but to politics, law, society, culture, economy, and science. There is much to glean from the study of the past.
Uninhibited access to archives is - and should be - an essential characteristic of a democracy. But I persisted (forgive me but I was younger and full of hope then), the file was mentioned in the index. 2 The file, you see, hadn’t been transferred from the respective ministry. The first time this happened to me, I was confused. Sometimes, though, you’ll get your slips back with NT scrawled across the top. If you’re divinely blessed, you’ll get those five files that same day.
If you’re lucky, you’ll get five out of the ten files you requested. By the end of the day, the archivist’s simple wooden collection tray brims with sheaves of paper, each bunch neatly pinned together by the dint of the steel-tipped pins kept in a nearby bottle.
There are three times a day when a researcher can submit their requisition requests. At no time can the scholar request multiple files on one slip. In order to request files, a visiting researcher has to write the file name, reference number, year, department, and ministry individually on requisition slips.
Indexes, as they’re politely called, with never-ending alphabetical lists of subjects, personalities, and events. To start with, there are ledgers - some of them yellowed, with their pages gently crumbling - to go through. If you are not familiar with the NAI or its labyrinthine methods of functioning, then it is utterly bewildering. The archive is the repository to all non-current records of the Government of India. Main gate to the National Archives of India (NAI).
0 kommentar(er)
