More than 7,000 historical documents belonging to the Indian diaspora in Oman have been digitized in a pioneering initiative led by the Indian Embassy in Muscat, in collaboration with the National Archives of India (NAI). The project, named ‘The Oman Collection – Archival Heritage of the Indian Community in Oman,’ spanned from May 19-27, 2024, at the Embassy of India premises in Muscat.
These documents, some of which are over a century old, include various artifacts such as trade documents dating back to 1838, a 1927 trade document, and a 1961 invitation to an Indian Embassy event. They were carefully scanned and preserved, marking an important milestone in preserving the cultural and historical ties between India and Oman.
Amit Narang, the Indian Ambassador to Oman, highlighted the significance of the project, stating, “This is a unique initiative that showcases the rich history and trade ties between India and Oman. We are delighted to have received more than 7,000 documents from 32 Indian families from Gujarat, who have been in Oman for over a century.”
The initiative was supported by the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) of Oman. Speaking about the initiative, Narang added, “It was a meticulous exercise to archive historical documents of the Indian diaspora living in Oman, but I am pleased that we have accomplished this. The documents will soon be available for viewing at the National Archives of India.”
In addition to digitizing documents, the project also involved recording oral histories. Kalpana Shukla, Deputy Director at NAI, noted the significance of these oral histories, saying, “This is the first time that we have recorded oral histories and digitized them in Oman. It was wonderful to learn about the harmony and trust that characterized the relationship between Omanis and Indians in business and trade matters.”
The project has scanned and digitized over 7,000 documents, which include personal diaries, account books, trade invoices, passports, letters, and photographs. These documents provide insights into the lives, contributions, and cultural practices of the Indian community in Oman, showcasing their integration into Omani society and the preservation of Indian traditions abroad.
The digitized documents will be archived and made accessible on ‘Abhilekh Patal,’ the digital portal of the NAI, thereby becoming available for researchers and the public. The project is not only a step towards preserving the rich heritage of the Indian community in Oman but also strengthens the enduring friendship between India and Oman.
Sheikh Anil Khimji, head of the Indian community in Oman, expressed his appreciation for the project, stating, "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 in doing so also showcase the time-tested bonds of friendship between India and the Sultanate of Oman.”
The project, supported by Oman’s NRAA, not only seeks to preserve historical records but also aims to foster a deeper engagement with the Indian diaspora community in Oman and enhance understanding of the longstanding India-Oman friendship. It is expected to serve as a valuable resource for future research and generations.
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