Sri Vijaya Puram, June 3: In a major move to preserve historical records and improve public access to documentary heritage, the Andaman and Nicobar Archives has digitised more than six lakh pages of archival material and launched a dedicated digital repository on the Abhilekh Patal portal.
The initiative has resulted in the digitisation and online publication of 10,040 archival records comprising 605,101 pages as of May 31, 2026. The development is expected to significantly enhance access to historical documents for researchers, students, scholars and the general public while ensuring the long-term preservation of valuable records related to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The digital repository has been created as part of a large-scale archival modernisation programme undertaken by the Archives Department. Officials stated that the initiative is aimed at safeguarding documentary heritage through digital preservation while making historical records accessible beyond physical archives.
According to the department, the uploaded collection contains archival files dating back to 1926 and government notifications from 1953 onwards. These records document various aspects of the administrative, social and historical development of the Islands over several decades.
To improve accessibility and facilitate research, the digital collection has been systematically organised into thematic categories. The categorisation allows users to navigate records more efficiently and locate relevant documents for academic, historical and administrative reference.
Officials noted that the digitisation effort marks an important milestone in preserving records that are vulnerable to deterioration over time. By creating digital copies, the department seeks to protect original documents while ensuring that information remains available for future generations.
The repository has been integrated into the Abhilekh Patal platform through a dedicated sub-chapter for the Andaman and Nicobar Archives. The portal provides online access to archival records and supports wider dissemination of historical information among users across the country.
The initiative reflects the administration’s broader effort to adopt digital technologies for heritage conservation and records management. Authorities believe the availability of archival materials in digital format will strengthen historical research, support academic studies and improve public understanding of the Islands’ unique past.
Researchers and students often face challenges in accessing archival collections due to geographical limitations and the fragile nature of historical documents. The online repository is expected to address these concerns by enabling remote access to records while reducing handling of original documents.
The Archives Department has invited researchers, educational institutions, historians and interested citizens to explore the repository and utilise its extensive collection of records. Officials expressed confidence that the digitisation initiative will contribute significantly to knowledge creation, historical documentation and preservation of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ documentary heritage.
