Here's something interesting. I came across a funding extension notice and it led me to the DFG Long Term Project "Modern India in German Archives, 1706-1989." The website has an English and a German portal (though I still found my German to be useful). The focus of the work being done at present really does seem modern — late 19th century to 20th century.
Most useful was the list of German archives with "significant holdings" related to Modern India. Material related to missions, intellectual history, political history, and social/economic history are included. This may be a new source for me Jai Singh material.
Sunday, August 6, 2017
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Moncoes do Reino (Monsoon Correspondence)
India and Portugal Sign A Historical agreement to promote Cooperation in The Field of Archives (June 20, 2017).
One of the more difficult things I had to do for my dissertation find and read documents in Portuguese (not my best language). As it turned out, most of the documents I needed were available at the British Library. But I always wanted more — surely, somewhere there were more direct discussions of Jai Singh and his embassy to Portugal via Goa. I meant to one day hit the archives in Lisbon to look for more. But I guess I don't need to do that, as the Moncoes do Reino exist in digital form. From the press release:
"These volumes were originally part of over 456 volumes that cover the period from 1568 to 1914 and form the largest of all record collections in the Goa State Archives. The collection consists of direct correspondence from Lisbon to Goa and is important primary source for the study of the Portuguese expansion in Asia, their trade rivalries with the Arabs and European powers and their relations with neighbourings Kings in South Asia and East Asia."
Still, I'd like to go to Lisboa to look at the originals. After my Portuguese improves.
One of the more difficult things I had to do for my dissertation find and read documents in Portuguese (not my best language). As it turned out, most of the documents I needed were available at the British Library. But I always wanted more — surely, somewhere there were more direct discussions of Jai Singh and his embassy to Portugal via Goa. I meant to one day hit the archives in Lisbon to look for more. But I guess I don't need to do that, as the Moncoes do Reino exist in digital form. From the press release:
"These volumes were originally part of over 456 volumes that cover the period from 1568 to 1914 and form the largest of all record collections in the Goa State Archives. The collection consists of direct correspondence from Lisbon to Goa and is important primary source for the study of the Portuguese expansion in Asia, their trade rivalries with the Arabs and European powers and their relations with neighbourings Kings in South Asia and East Asia."
Still, I'd like to go to Lisboa to look at the originals. After my Portuguese improves.
Thursday, May 25, 2017
National Archives of India
Food for thought. I'm not sure I really care deeply about the marginalia and stamps, but I do care about the overall preservation of the documents. And I do care about user access (the hours I wasted trying to get one.single.photocopy). Some of this rings true, but let me know what you think.
How the National Archives of India is Actually Destroying History.
How the National Archives of India is Actually Destroying History.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Resource: Oriental Collection at Peshwar University
This is an auspicious beginning for a review of the Oriental Collection at Peshwar University in the Fresh From the Archives section on Dissertation Reviews:
"Working at Peshawar University libraries has been one of the most refreshing research experiences I have had in the region – in striking contrast to the typical nightmarish scenarios of waiting days for access and negotiating with disgruntled staff. Peshawar University’s strengths lie foremost in its superb regional collections, its accessibility, and, certainly, in the professionalism of the library staff."
"Working at Peshawar University libraries has been one of the most refreshing research experiences I have had in the region – in striking contrast to the typical nightmarish scenarios of waiting days for access and negotiating with disgruntled staff. Peshawar University’s strengths lie foremost in its superb regional collections, its accessibility, and, certainly, in the professionalism of the library staff."
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Tata Central Archives
I admit it. I didn't even know this was a thing. But wow, the Tata Central Business Archives seem like an awesome source for researching the Tata role in urban planning and modern architecture. I wish I'd known about this when I was in Bangalore, it would have been a fantastic follow-up to my time spent at IISc.
I hope the research experience is as nice is person as it is on the web.
I hope the research experience is as nice is person as it is on the web.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Resource: State Archives of West Bengal
A review of the State Archives of West Bengal in the Fresh From the Archives section on Dissertation Reviews, written by someone working on an architecture/landscape project. Choice quote: "Historians enthused by the oscillating, isolating, frustrating and
Derridean experiences of archival forays will thrive in this research
room."
Thursday, March 24, 2016
National Archives of India
An update to my 2009 post by Willy Logan, based on his March 2015 experience.
I was pleased to see during my last visit to Delhi how much easier and less stressful travel was by metro. Research is so much more pleasant when you arrive at the archive relaxed after an easy journey.
Other archives discussed by Logan:
I was pleased to see during my last visit to Delhi how much easier and less stressful travel was by metro. Research is so much more pleasant when you arrive at the archive relaxed after an easy journey.
Other archives discussed by Logan:
- Resources in Assam
- National Library of India
- Nehru Museum and Library (Teen Murti)
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