Founded on March 11, 1891, in Calcutta (Kolkata), the Imperial Records Department was the first step towards what we know today as the National Archives of India. Its key role was to collect, preserve, and manage the records of the British Government.
Establishment and Purpose: The Imperial Records Department (IRD) was established in Calcutta (now Kolkata) on March 11, 1891, with the aim of creating a central hub for the records of the British administration in India. Initial Head: The first officer to lead the department was Professor G.W. Forrest.
Functions: The IRD primarily focused on gathering records from various government departments, restoring and preserving important documents, and providing specific records to those departments.
Additional Responsibilities: In addition to its main duties, the IRD also published selected records, created press lists, and compiled calendars of documents.
Shift to New Delhi: When the national capital moved from Calcutta (Kolkata) to New Delhi in 1911, the IRD relocated to its current building in 1926.
Renaming and Evolution: After India gained independence, the IRD was renamed the National Archives of India, and the head of the organization was given the title of Director of Archives instead of Keeper of Records.
Location: The National Archives of India is located at the intersection of Rajpath and Janpath in New Delhi.