The Indian embassy in Muscat, in collaboration with the National Archives of India (NAI), recently undertook a groundbreaking initiative to archive historical documents of the Bharatiya diaspora in Oman. This project, titled ‘The Oman Collection – Archival Heritage of the Indian Community in Oman,’ took place at the Embassy of Bharat in Muscat from May 19 to 27.
The project saw active participation from 32 prominent Bharatiya families from Gujarat. These families have a long history in Oman, with their presence dating back 250 years.
The initiative marks the first overseas project by the NAI to digitize and archive documents from the Bharatiya diaspora, highlighting an important step in preserving the community’s history and heritage abroad.
Please click on the image to read the official press release.
Oman is currently home to nearly 700,000 Indians. The historical and cultural connections between Bharat and Oman span over 5000 years. In recent times, many merchant families from Mandvi, Surat, and other parts of Gujarat have been residing in cities like Sur, Muttrah, and Muscat since the late 18th century.
These families are well-integrated into Omani society, with many having become Omani citizens while still maintaining strong ties with Bharat.
During the project, over 7,000 documents in English, Arabic, Gujarati, and Hindi were scanned and digitized. These documents came from the private collections of the old Bharatiya merchant families and included a wide variety of materials. Some of the documents dated back to 1838, with most from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The collection includes personal diaries, account books, ledgers, telegrams, trade invoices, passports, letters, photographs, and more, providing a vivid narrative of the Bharatiya community’s history in Oman.
These documents collectively tell the story of the Bharatiya community in Oman, including their cultural practices, social activities, trade, and contributions to Omani society. The digitized documents will be archived and made available to researchers and the public on ‘Abhilekh Patal,’ the NAI’s digital portal.
The project also included the recording of oral histories from older members of the Indian community. These recordings capture personal anecdotes, migration experiences, and the community’s evolution over the decades. This is the first time the NAI has conducted an oral history project with the Bharatiya diaspora, adding a rich layer to the archival records.
Arun Singhal, Director General of the NAI, emphasized the unique significance of this project, calling it a historic milestone for the NAI. “This is the first time we have collected and digitized the private archives of diaspora documents from abroad. This marks a historic milestone for the NAI and a significant step towards preserving the rich heritage and narratives of the diverse overseas Bharatiya community,” he said.
Support from Bharatiya and Omani Leaders
Amit Narang, the Ambassador of Bharat to Oman, stated that this project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of strengthening connections with the Bharatiya diaspora worldwide. He highlighted that documenting and preserving the history of the Bharatiya community in Oman rekindles a vital part of shared heritage and fosters deeper engagement with the diaspora.
Sheikh Anil Khimji, head of the Bharatiya community in Oman, expressed his gratitude for the project. He thanked Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for their vision of engaging with the Bharatiya diaspora. Khimji noted that the archiving of these historical documents would showcase the strong bonds of friendship between Bharat and Oman.
The initiative received support from the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) of Oman, which provided essential logistical and other support, ensuring the smooth execution of the project. This collaboration underscores the strong historical and cultural ties between the two countries.
Promoting Research and Appreciation
Addition of preserving historical records, the digitization project aims to foster a more focused engagement with the Indian diaspora community in Oman. It will promote a better appreciation of the longstanding friendship between Bharat and Oman and serve as a valuable resource for future generations, facilitating research about the Bharatiya diaspora’s development and contributions.
Comments