Research facilities in Odisha State Archives

The Odisha State Archives is the Central repository of housing the noncurrent records of enduring value both for administrative use as well as historical research. The primary functions of this organization are collection, preservation, management and educational use of records.

These functions are performed through its various divisions to cater to the requirement of the administrative as well as research scholars. Survey and Acquisition of Records: – Under this programme Public records of Board of Revenue, Cuttack R.D.C., Northern Division Sambalpur, Kalahandi collectorate and some old and rare books/manuscripts found at different places of Cuttack under the possession of private custody were surveyed.

211 nos. of old selected records from Board of Revenue, Cuttack have been transferred to Odisha State Archives for permanent preservation and use by the scholars In addition to these we have acquired 3 Urdu/Persian manuscripts, one old Map and 14 rare books on purchase basis for permanent preservation in State Archives. We have also acquired old Gazettes from Govt. Press Cuttack for preservation and use by the research scholars.

Promotion of States Historical Research: – 848 Nos. of research scholars were availed themselves of research facilities in Odisha State Archives during the period under report and 91 Nos. of books and 109 numbers of journals were added to Research library of State Archives during this period.

Research Fellowship: – One scholar recommended by H.O.D, Deptt. of History, Utkal University had worked as Research scholar who prepared the reference media of the Volume records to facilitate the scholars in tracing out the records of their interest.

Publication: – Four Volumes such as Guide to Odishan records VoI.III, IV &V & Reflections on the National movement in Odisha have been reprinted. The works on the Archival publication entitled “Bhasa Vittika Swatantra Odisha Pradesh Gathana”- Vol-II, and “The Capital of Odisha: Bhubaneswar” are under Progress.

Exhibition: – To inculcate awareness among the public about the importance of preservation of old and rare records, Archives week celebration programme is organized every year. Under this programme an exhibition entitled “Beyond the frame-India in Great Britain -1858-1950” was organized from 27th August 2012 to 2nd September 20]2 in collaboration with National Archives of India, Eastern zone, Bhubaneswar in the Exhibition hall of Odisha State Archives, Bhubaneswar.

On the eve of National Voters day an exhibition titled “We the people of India” was also organized on 25.01.2013 at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. Repair and Reprography: – About 9969 sheets of brittle records were repaired with tissue paper and were bound and 121368 pages of rare books and archival documents were digitized in form of DVDs and were preserved in State Archives.