Delhi Archives set to showcase rare records in public exhibition

The Delhi Archives Department is set to host a public exhibition of rare documents and historical records, with a focus on Sikh institutions and literary heritage, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced on Tuesday.

The initiative aims to deepen public engagement with the city’s archival history, particularly among younger generations. “This exhibition will be a step towards bringing archival treasures closer to the public. It’s about connecting with our roots and understanding how Delhi has evolved,” Sirsa said.

The announcement follows the Minister’s visit to the department’s headquarters in the Qutub Institutional Area, where he reviewed preservation techniques, digitisation efforts and the overall scope of the archive’s collection.

According to officials, the Delhi Archives holds over five crore pages of historical material, including government files, old maps, manuscripts and personal correspondences from the pre-Independence era.

During the visit, department staff highlighted records documenting the evolution of religious institutions — especially those tied to Sikh heritage — which will feature prominently in the upcoming exhibition.

Sirsa was also briefed on the department’s use of advanced conservation methods, including German technology and microfilm readers, to ensure long-term preservation. He acknowledged infrastructure-related challenges faced by the department and pledged government support to upgrade facilities and resources.

The minister also toured the Bhagat Singh Archives and Research Centre, where he examined rare writings and letters from the Indian freedom movement.

Established in 1972, the Delhi Archives functions as the official archival authority of the Delhi Government, playing a crucial role in preserving the capital’s administrative and cultural history.

Delhi