RECENT ACQUISITIONS

Kavita Singh
art historian

The papers of Kavita Singh have been donated by her husband Prof. Arunabha Sen. It includes papers, handwritten notes and documentation of her own work, material collected as part of her doctoral thesis including large tracings of Phad paintings, detailed photographs of rare 19th-century Pata Chitra paintings from Bengal. The collection also contains photographs and slides of her curatorial work on different international exhibitions and field visits to various heritage sites. Material from Getty Foundation Museum Project Documentation, Edward Binney Collection and 19 th century photographs from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection is also a part of the collection. Newspaper clippings related to her research interest, some rare early 20 th century prints and lithographs, and her teaching resources are also available in the collection. The collection is an invaluable resource for researchers interested in art history, museum and heritage studies.

Aruna Vasudev
Indian film scholar, critic & painter

The papers of Aruna Vasudev have been donated by her daughter, Yamini Gandhi. The collection offers insights into Aruna Vasudev's work and contributions to the world of cinema. It includes correspondence, articles written by her on Indian cinema, awards, travel memorabilia, her thesis Liberty and Licence in Indian Cinema (1976), papers related to Utsah Toli (a community cultural center for the children of villages in Nainital), and press clippings related to The Inner Path Buddhist Festival, Cinemaya: The Asian Film Quarterly, Cinefan: Cinemaya Festival (1999-2003), etc. The collection also includes papers related to her foundational work with the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC), which she co-founded in 1990. The collection is an invaluable resource for understanding the development of Indian and Asian cinema over several decades.

R. Rajamani Collection of Photographs (1983-1993)
former IAS and environmentalist

The collection of photographs belonging to R. Rajamani has been donated by his granddaughter, Ruchita Raghunandan. This collection comprises ten photo albums documenting his official activities and engagements as Secretary of the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. of India.The photographs capture various meetings, programs, and project initiatives, including meetings of the Planning Commission, Drought Prone Area Programme, Fodder Development Project, Basic Training Workshop on Sample Registration System in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh Forest Officer’s Conference, Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy in Dehradun, Exhibition on Environment and Development in New Delhi, National Zoological Park Programme, First Annual Day meeting of the G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development. Additionally, the collection includes an article titled ‘Forestry and Women’, and the Kailash Sankhala Memorial Lecture-1998 by R. Rajamani.

Rajmohan Gandhi Papers (1969-2024)
Academic

Rajmohan Gandhi has donated an invaluable collection of his private papers, spanning his distinguished career as a historian, biographer, journalist, and politician. This extensive material includes manuscripts of his books—Patel: A Life, The Good Boatman, The Rajaji Story, Eight Lives, and others—along with correspondence with research institutes and publishers, book reviews, articles, lectures, and printed materials, etc. The collection reflects Gandhi’s academic contributions in India and abroad, covering research on South Asian history, notable personalities, Gandhian thought, and peacebuilding. His political career and advocacy, particularly in Jabalpur, Sabarkantha, and Amethi are well-documented through campaign materials, posters, speeches, cassettes, pamphlets, and press coverage, highlighting his role in public discourse and governance. The papers also include bibliographies, research notes, Rajya Sabha reports, and volumes of Himmat magazine (Vol. 1-17). This collection serves as a vital resource for scholars studying modern and contemporary Indian history and political thought.

R. Rajamani Papers (1978-2014)
former IAS and environmentalist

The papers of R. Rajamani have been donated by his granddaughter, Ruchita Raghunandan. The collection includes articles, lectures and notes by R. Rajamani, along with correspondence from distinguished individuals such as Kailash Sankhala, Kamal Nath, Gopalkrishna Gandhi, H.Y. Sharada Prasad, and others. The collection also includes documents related to the United Nations, environmental issues and the Planning Commission. Also, there is R. Rajamani's diary documenting his training as an Assistant Collector (May 1960).

Jayanta Bandhyopadhyay Publications (1969-2022)
academic and environmentalist

Prof. Jayanta Bandyopadhyay has granted permission to maintain a digital collection of his published works on the ACI website and in the reading room for scholarly research. It includes books, monographs, research papers, book reviews, blog posts, and popular writings related to the mountain environment and water governance in South Asia. These publications are essential for understanding mountainous regions and the governance of rivers originating from the Himalayas.

Gopalkrishna Gandhi Papers (1920s-2007)
Academic & diplomat

Gopalkrishna Gandhi has donated another installment of papers that include the papers of Devadas Gandhi, a rich collection of historical documents dating back to the 1920s. There are letters from C. Rajagopalachari to his father Devadas Gandhi as well as to him. The collection also contains material related to the Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi project, press clippings, and a file on Ramchandra Gandhi.

Besides, there are his writings in the newspapers (2002-2004), speeches and other works including a copy of the manuscript of Srivishnusahasranam, and material related to his tenure as the High Commissioner to South Africa (1996–1997) and Sri Lanka (2000–2002), and Ambassador to Norway (2002–2004).

Ben Crow Collection (1978-1993)
Professor of sociology

The collection of Ben Crow (1978-1993) has been donated by Oliver Crow. It comprises three photo albums and 484 photo slides relating to Ben Crow’s Bangladesh rural fieldwork. In addition, Ben Crow’s book Markets, Class and Social Change: Trading Networks and Poverty in Rural South Asia (Published by Palgrave, New York in 2001) is also received with the collection.

Nand Chaturvedi Papers (1948-2014)
Hindi poet, litterateur, and socialist

The papers of Nand Chaturvedi have been donated by his sons, Arun Chaturvedi and Anurag Chaturvedi. The collection contains Nand Chaturvedi’s correspondence with prominent contemporary writers and poets. It also comprises manuscripts, drafts, and diaries that contain poems and articles addressing ethical values, social issues, post-independence poetry, and aesthetic resistance. In addition, the collection includes several issues of Bindu magazine, photographs, press clippings, and booklets, that serve as valuable resource material for the study of modern poetry and contemporary prose writing.

Narayani Gupta Papers (1968-2024)
Academic

Prof. Narayani Gupta has donated a significant collection of her private papers, which span her extensive career.  The key elements of the collection include research material gathered from various research libraries and archives in India and abroad on the history of Delhi for her book Delhi Between Two Empires 1803-1931; urbanization in south India; and material collected during her days at Conservation Society of Delhi (1982-1992) and Delhi Urban Art Commission (1993-1996). Additionally, the collection includes correspondence from her grandfather, Sir K R Menon, to his son in Cambridge during the 1920’s and papers related to her sister Indira Menon’s work on Carnatic music. Other resourceful material in the collection includes bibliographies, journals, press clippings, offprints, and notes, etc. reflecting her research interests and work over the years. The collection is an invaluable resource for scholars interested in urban history and conservation.

Narendra Sharma Papers (1976-1996)
Trade Union Leader

Prof. Savyasaachi has donated the papers of his father-in-law, Narendra Sharma, a prominent trade union leader. The papers include back issues of IPA Industrial Relations from 1976 to 1996 (with gaps). The journal covered a range of topics including economy, labour movements, and industrial relations, with particular focus on the economic challenges facing the country during that period. The collection is important for scholars and researchers studying the history of labour movements and the economic struggles of the working class in India.

Devdutt Papers (1970-1975)
Journalist & writer

Prof. Savyasaachi has donated the back issues of Point of View, a weekly from 1970 to 1975. Founded in 1970 by his father, Devdutt, an eminent journalist and writer, the ‘anti-news weekly journal’ provided in-depth analysis and critical perspectives on pressing national and international issues of the time. Point of View explored a wide range of subjects, from political and economic developments to social and cultural trends, offering readers a different perspective to understand national events. The journal attracted intellectuals, writers, and activists who contributed essays and commentaries with public discourse. This rare collection of back issues is a valuable resource for researchers and historians interested in understanding the socio-political climate of the early 1970s.

Nainital Samachar/Rajiv Lochan Sah Papers (1977-2023)
Fortnightly newspaper

The back issues of fortnightly newspaper were donated by its editor, Rajiv Lochan Sah. The collection includes issues from 1977 to 2023, making it a valuable source for scholars and historians alike. There are rare photographs from Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Nainital in 1929 and 1931, two handwritten volumes of the Nainital Bulletin (September-October 1994), and a book on the 25-year journey of Nainital Samachar, offering insights into the paper’s history and evolution. The collection is important for researchers studying Uttarakhand’s social, cultural and political developments over the past five decades.

Uttara Mahila Patrika (1990-2023)
Quarterly magazine

The back issues of Uttara Mahila Patrika, a Hindi quarterly magazine, have been donated by its editors, Uma Bhatt and Sheela Rajbar. The magazine, founded by a group of women, has been instrumental in highlighting the pivotal role women played in society. The magazine strengthened women's voices by providing a platform for discussing issues of gender equality, empowerment, and social justice. It featured a rich collection of interviews, poems, stories and articles on contemporary topics, contributed by individuals from diverse backgrounds. The collection includes issues of Uttara Mahila Patrika (with gaps) from October 1990 to September 2023, correspondence, cassettes, interview of social activist Vimla Bahuguna, photographs and books. The collection is valuable, making it an essential source for researchers studying the role of women in Uttarakhand and beyond.

Aniket/Ramesh Pahari Papers (1977-2017)
Weekly magazine

The back issues of Aniket, a Hindi weekly magazine were donated by its editor, Ramesh Pahari. The collection includes issues from December 1977 to 2017 and is crucial for understanding the socio-economic challenges and developments in Uttarakhand over the years. The weekly was instrumental in shedding light on issues affecting the region, offering a platform for discussions on topics such as rural development, environmental concerns, and economic conditions of Uttarakhand.

Acquired from Rudraprayag, the collection also includes issues of other Hindi magazines such as Dharti Par Utro, Jal Sanskriti, Jalagum Khabrein, Suchetna and Lok Suchna. Each of these publications provides unique perspectives on topics ranging from water resources and environmental sustainability to social movements and local governance. This collection is a crucial source for scholars exploring the region's history, its challenges, and the voices that shaped its narrative over the last 40 years.

Lakshmi Chandra Jain Papers (1937-1999)
Creative writer & journalist

The papers of Lakshmi Chandra Jain have been donated by his daughter Sheena Jain. The collection contains articles by him on various subjects including Jainism, handwritten notes, plays, writings on Mahadevi Verma, and papers related to the Kharvel Project. The collection also contains material related to the book Nepathya Nayak: Lakshmi Chandra Jain, translation of poems by Octavio Paz, participation of Lakshmi Chandra Jain in Jnanpith Award Function and other events. There is correspondence with Aruna Asaf Ali and others, personal diaries, photographs, academic letters of recommendations, obituaries, and short biographies of Lakshmi Chandra Jain. Interviews with him, writings on him, and about him also form part of the collection.

Kuntha Jain Papers (1934-2000)
Author

The papers of Kuntha Jain have been donated by her daughter, Sheena Jain. The collection contains handwritten notes and poems, articles, notes and papers related to books, dramas, and ballet on ‘Mahavir’, a script for the ballet ‘Radha’, related reviews, and other material. It also contains a draft manuscript of the translation of 'Agyeya' poems in English, notes from the Oxford Debating Society, obituaries, academic letters of recommendations, a copy of the book Chandrashekhar Venkat Raman- a Pictorial Biography, Ghalib Centenary Celebration (1869-1969), and photographs including group photographs and portraits of Kuntha Jain. The papers of both Lakshmi Chandra Jain and his wife Kuntha Jain are a significant resource for students studying the cultural and literary history of modern and contemporary India.

Prema Sastri Papers (1950s-2009)
Short story writer and playwright

The papers of Prema Sastri have been donated by her daughter Sumi Sastri. The collection contains typed and handwritten manuscripts of Goddess, The Wise Minister, Alms from the King, A Generous Donation, Home Sweet Home, Forest Drum, etc. The collection also comprises copies of plays written by her, short fiction stories, articles published in Illustrated Weekly, press clippings, reviews of her book A Fine Gift from Lakshmi, original prints of The Waiting Room, Rival Candidates, Tell me Why, From the Sea, etc. The collection is a useful source material for scholars of contemporary Indian literature.

Suresh Sharma Papers (1968-2006)
Academic 

The papers of Prof. Suresh Sharma have been donated by his wife Mrs. Deepa Sharma. The collection contains handwritten notes, articles, draft copies, and settlement reports (Bilaspur, Ranchi, Mirzapur, territories of the Raja of Nagpur).  There are archival notes on diamond mines at Sambhalpur, district gazetteers of Balaghat district (Central Provinces), land revenue reports, Survey of India reports, HRC Memorial Committee files, Lokayan papers & bulletins, and reports on the proceedings of the forest conference (1873-74). The collection also contains field notes, transcripts of interviews, administrative reports, notes on forest biodiversity and tribal communities in Bastar between 1983 and 1986 for his book Tribal Identity and the Modern World (1994). Besides his writings and notes, the material collected from various research libraries/archives in India and abroad for his writings are a useful resource material for sociologists and anthropologists.

M. Ali Manikfan Papers (1970-2013)
Marine biologist and ecologist

The papers, donated by M. Ali Manikfan himself, are a treasure trove of research material on marine and nature conservation. The collection comprises papers and correspondence from Manikfan as Chairman of the Hijra Committee of India (Cochin) with Muslim authorities to follow the lunar Islamic calendar developed by him with scientific knowledge. In addition, the collection also contains documents related to environmental planning for Lakshadweep Island, endorsed by Manikfan as President of the Lakshadweep Environment Trust (Kavaratti) and member of the Lakshadweep Building Development Board. The papers also include articles on ship building, press clippings, extracts from books and reports, material on marine archaeology, and a personal notebook. The papers are an invaluable resource for researchers, scholars, and enthusiasts alike.

Jawid Laiq Papers (1970-2024)
Journalist

Jawid Laiq has donated a valuable collection of his papers, including books authored by him like The Western Media in Asia: Globalisation & Resistance, and The Maverick Republic as well as works by his family members. The collection contains articles published in newspapers and magazines such as Indian Express, The Telegraph, Outlook, Mail Today, Economic & Political Weekly, IQ and New Delhi. Also, there are reports related to Amnesty International.

Adil Jussawalla Papers (1969-2021)
Poet and magazine editor

Adil Jussawalla has donated a significant collection of his papers. The papers contain articles, reviews and guest editorials for magazines and newspapers such as Debonair, Deccan Herald, The Afternoon Despatch & Courier, and The Daily. There are correspondences with Sahitya Akademi on Adil’s book for Annual Award for 2014 and acceptance speech, and Tata LitLive 2021 Poet Laureate acceptance speech. There are prefaces and introductions written by Adil for First Infinities, Three Poets and other books; editorials from Parsiana; articles on Parsi and Zoroastrian matters; and columns written by him for The None O’ Clock News.

Prem Shankar Jha Papers (1973-2015)
Journalist and economist

Prem Shankar Jha has donated a valuable collection of his papers. The papers represent an invaluable resource centered on Indian socio-political and economic discourse. The collection includes press clippings, articles and book reviews from various newspapers like the Times of India (1973-1986), Economic Times (1979-1980), Hindu (1991-2003), Hindustan Times (1998-2015), Financial Express (1980-1981), and magazines such as Outlook (1998-2008) and Tehelka (2009-2014).

Jagat Mehta Papers (1950-1999)
Scholar and diplomat

The papers of Jagat Mehta (1922-2014) donated by his family covers a wide array of materials related to neighboring countries like China, Pakistan Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan. There are files, correspondence, notes, diaries, pamphlets, press clippings and reports on issues such as the Sino-Indian boundary dispute and negotiations (1960-63), Indo-Pak conflict (1965), creation of Bangladesh (1971), trade talks with Nepal & Tripartite Agreement (1977-79), and Dhaka Conference, 1994. There are also papers on Second Afro-Asian Conference (1965), Indo-Soviet and Indo-US Talks (1968), Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (1968), and of his tenure as High Commissioner to Tanzania, 1970-74. Besides, there is background material related to the books authored by him and several articles on cold war, national security, diplomacy, Afghanistan, and Kashmir. The collection also contains issues (1960s) of Hsinhua News Agency Release, Link India news magazine, Asian Analyst, and Strategic Digest.

Chandrashekhar Dasgupta Papers (1965-2022)
Former diplomat and scholar

The papers of Chandrashekhar Dasgupta (1940-2023) have been donated by his wife Mrs. Devika Dasgupta. The collection contains handwritten notes, articles, addresses, press clippings on Indo-China relations, history of Panchsheel, Indo-Pak war (1965), Kashmir, South Asia and NATO. There are offprints of articles by various scholars on climate change and Rio conference. Besides his notes, there are photocopies of a lot of material collected from various research libraries/archives in India and abroad for his two highly acclaimed books, India and Bangladesh Liberation War and War and Diplomacy in Kashmir, 1947-48.

The papers of Roderick L. MacFarquhar (1930-2019) contain rare research material on 20th century Chinese history in English and Mandarin. This ranges from the history of the Chinese Communist party, its party documents, the Cultural Revolution to Mao Zedong, Lin Piao, China’s relations with other countries, etc.  The collection contains pamphlets, booklets, studies, reports, correspondence and MacFarquhar’s writings including reprints of his articles published in the China Quarterly.