Research scholars get ready to dust the documents, swipe away the cobwebs and sidestep the scampering kittens when they step into the Tamil Nadu Archives building at Egmore to do some serious academic work. Though the archives has documents from the 17th century to 1980 and, as the bills stuck in various chambers proclaim, ‘We know archives is an ocean, We owe its preservation’, the ground situation is otherwise.

The historical significance of the building only matches the treasure inside. The storing of all official letters was initiated by the then governor of Madras, Sir William Langhorne, in 1672. In the subsequent years, the British had to manage a large number of official files. The decision to store all the records in one place resulted in the creation of the present Tamil Nadu Archives, then known as old Madras record office, in 1909.

But historians fear that if bad maintenance and poor preservation persist, our much-eulogised cultural ethos and heritage could be threatened greatly. These archives reflect our own culture and the societal traditions of yester era and are considered to be a tangible piece of historical evidence, they say.

“There are so many documents available to learn and explore and if the archives are lost, the damage would be irreparable. This place needs a thorough overhaul. They do not even sweep the reading room; it is so dusty,” said a disgruntled research scholar seeking anonymity. “During the rainy season, water enters the chambers and everything becomes damp,” he added.

Important documents like Vernacular Press Report 1907 (August to December-Vol-2) could give an insight into the service newspapers rendered during the pre- Independence era but now they are merely crumpled pieces of paper. This is a typical reality of how other documents are kept.

The secretariat’s century-old records, dating back to the 18th century, relating to the British government, lie on the floor. Covered in dust and cobwebs, these precious documents are bundled together and squeezed between two wooden planks and dumped on the racks. The chamber officials never go to that side fearing it might trigger dust allergy while the housekeeping staff are unaware of the importance of the documents.

The library section, a hub of rare books, endures bad handling like the archives. The books are arranged haphazardly in the shelves though officials claim that they are in the process of arranging the books.

Even rare books are not maintained properly. A precious book like ‘All India Leprosy Survey’, carried out by the erstwhile colonial rulers, dating back to the 18th–19th century, has some maps bound and stitched to the book making it useless.

The deteriorating condition of the archives has left hapless research scholars and professors in the lurch. Many professors refuse to come out in public fearing harassment, while many remain tight-lipped for fear of being barred from the little access that they currently have.

Eminent historian K.R.A. Narasiah said, “Value and regard for heritage and history is depleting slowly. Archives are very important reflections of our own past. We need to protect them in our own interest.

With latest techniques and with our vast historical documents, we can represent history through facts. What is the point in keeping the door shut without any access, what are they achieving by it? We need to encourage our younger generation to participate and to preserve the archives. How many history teachers have taken their students to museums and places
of historical importance?”

Dr Venkatraman, principal, Raju’s Rajapalayam College, said, “Nowhere in south India exist so many documents of historical importance but they need to be properly utilised and well-kept. If this can be guaranteed, it will be a golden temple for all historians.”

Adding to the woes, the department responsible for preservation reportedly suffers from a staff crunch. However, experts say filling all the vacancies won’t solve the problem.

On condition of anonymity, a senior professor said, “We want dedicated people here. They must understand the value of these priceless treasures and work with interest. This place is not just for historians but also for sociologists, economists, political scientists and linguists. Carelessness in handling and preservation will cause irreparable loss.”

Creepy noises haunt Archives complex

Behind the cobwebs and the dust-covered publications that document the history of this land and its people at the government archives complex, lurk eerie creatures making creepy noises at nights.

If the collective voice of the fairer sex at the archives office is true, then the spirits of all those who wrote the documents and records centuries ago still haunt the long corridors and gloomy halls here and make rare appearances to those who are unlucky to visit the place after office hours.

“Neither I nor the other women working here go to the records hall. Some of our staff have heard strange sounds and seen moving shadows. We try to avoid going to the some of the halls after dusk,” said a lady employee.

Although, there is no one who claims to have actually seen a ghost, almost all believe in the rumour and try to avoid working late hours.

There is another depressing element with regard to this ‘ancient’ office. Over the years, it has been used as the ‘dumping yard’ for senior bureaucrats fallen out of grace, particularly when the
regime changed in the state.

For instance, hugely competent IAS officer N. Narayanan had done great work as the chief secretary during the previous AIADMK government but was shunted out to the archives when the DMK took charge.