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Embassy of India in Muscat digitizes history of Indian diaspora in Oman
The project, carried out from May.19-27, 2024, involved 32 prominent Indian families originating from Gujarat, India.
The Oman Collection: Archival Heritage of the Indian Community in Oman / Image- X (@DiasporaDiv_MEA)
In an effort to preserve the rich heritage of the Indian diaspora, the Embassy of India in Muscat, in collaboration with the National Archives of India (NAI), has digitized over 7,000 historical documents from Indian families that have resided in Oman for more than 250 years.
The pioneering project, named 'The Oman Collection - Archival Heritage of the Indian Community in Oman,' marks the first overseas initiative by the NAI to archive diaspora documents.
The project, carried out from May.19-27, 2024, involved 32 prominent Indian families originating from Gujarat, India. Their presence in Oman, which dates back to the late 18th century, has significantly influenced the cultural and social landscape of the region.
The digitization process involved the meticulous scanning of documents in multiple languages, including English, Arabic, Gujarati, and Hindi. The oldest document in the collection dates back to 1838, with the majority originating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The project also included the recording of oral histories from elder members of the Indian community in Oman.
‘History preserved is History remembered’
— India in Oman (Embassy of India, Muscat) (@Indemb_Muscat) May 28, 2024
Embassy’s unique digitization project in collaboration with @IN_Archives will help treasure and preserve the rich archival heritage of the Indian diaspora in Oman.
Highlights of the project pic.twitter.com/YQgbuzallR
These documents, which include personal diaries, account books, trade invoices, passports, letters, and photographs, provide a comprehensive narrative of the Indian community's life in Oman, highlighting their cultural practices, social activities, and contributions to Omani society.
Arun Singhal, Director General of the National Archives of India, highlighted the significance of this initiative, “This is the first time that 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 Indian community.”’
“As officials carefully handled the delicate documents, history was told in its own way.”
— India in Oman (Embassy of India, Muscat) (@Indemb_Muscat) May 28, 2024
Full article Courtesy: @timesofoman pic.twitter.com/rle3N4rplk
Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, Amit Narang, emphasized the project's alignment with broader diplomatic goals, “This project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to strengthen connections with the Indian diaspora worldwide. By documenting and preserving the history of the Indian community in Oman, we are rekindling a vital part of our shared heritage and fostering a deeper engagement with our diaspora.”
Sheikh Anil Khimji, head of the Indian community in Oman, expressed his gratitude for the initiative: “We thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar for their vision of engaging and connecting with the Indian diaspora. The archiving of the historical documents of the Indian diaspora by the Embassy of India will go a long way in preserving their history and showcasing the time-tested bonds of friendship between India and the Sultanate of Oman.”
The National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) of Oman supported the project, providing essential logistical assistance and ensuring its smooth execution. The digitized documents will be made accessible on 'Abhilekh Patal,' the digital portal of the NAI, thus facilitating research and public access to this invaluable historical resource.
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