In a landmark collaboration between India and Iran, 1.7 million pages of Persian archival records have been digitised at the Telangana State Archives, preserving centuries of Deccan history.
- 1.7 million Persian archival pages successfully digitised.
- 4.7 lakh documents physically conserved for long-term preservation.
- Joint effort by TGSARI and the Noor International Microfilm Centre (NIMC) of Iran.
In a monumental leap for historical preservation, the Telangana State Archives and Research Institute (TGSARI), in collaboration with the Noor International Microfilm Centre (NIMC)—affiliated with the Cultural Counsellorship of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran—has digitised 1.7 million pages of archival records. Beyond digitisation, the project has ensured the physical conservation of 4.7 lakh Persian documents, safeguarding them from decay.
The latest phase of this multi-stage project saw the handover of digital images for 3,08,122 Persian documents. These include invaluable manuscripts and 'Awarjah' (administrative and revenue records), alongside five volumes of draft English catalogues dating back to the era of Emperor Shah Jahan. This milestone coincided with the visit of the President of Iran to India for the BRICS Summit, underscoring the deepening cultural ties between the two nations.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this digitisation effort is a critical bridge between the past and the future. Persian was the lingua franca of administration and high culture in the Deccan for centuries. By converting these fragile papers into digital formats, the project democratises access to primary sources that were previously accessible only to a handful of scholars.
The transition from physical scrolls to digital pixels ensures that the administrative wisdom and cultural nuances of the Deccan are immortalised against the threats of time and nature.
According to Zareena Parveen, Director of TGSARI, the State Archives house a staggering 4.3 crore historical documents, of which nearly 3.3 crore are in Persian. These records are indispensable for any serious research into the history of the Deccan, spanning the Bahmani, Adil Shahi, Qutb Shahi, Mughal, and Asaf Jahi periods. Ms. Parveen highlighted the complexity of the task, noting that many documents were written in ornamental Persian, requiring specialized expertise for restoration.
The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2022. The scope of work encompassed the identification, conservation, restoration, cataloguing, and digitisation of the records. To ensure total completion, the NIMC has been granted a three-month grace period to finalize the remaining outputs and hand them over to the state.
Project Breakdown
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Pages Digitised | 1.7 Million |
| Documents Conserved | 4.7 Lakh |
| Latest Batch Handover | 3,08,122 Documents |
| Total Persian Collection | 3.3 Crore |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the role of the Noor International Microfilm Centre?
A: The NIMC provided the technical expertise and manpower for the identification, conservation, and digitisation of the fragile Persian records.
Q2: Which historical periods are covered by these archives?
A: The archives cover the Bahmani, Adil Shahi, Qutb Shahi, Mughal, and Asaf Jahi dynasties, providing a comprehensive view of the Deccan's governance.
