The documents are made up of personal diaries, account books, telegrams, citations, letters, and photographs
In a landmark initiative to preserve the rich history and heritage of the Indian community in Oman, the Embassy of India in Muscat, in collaboration with the National Archives of India (NAI), has successfully digitised more than 7,000 historical documents. These records, sourced from the personal collections of 32 prominent Indian families who have resided in Oman for over a century, were carefully scanned and archived over the course of ten days.
 
According to the Indian Embassy, the documents, some of which date back to 1838, include a variety of materials such as personal diaries, account books, ledgers, telegrams, trade invoices, passports, citations, letters, and photographs. These artifacts collectively narrate the story of the Indian diaspora in Oman, highlighting their cultural practices, social activities, and significant contributions to trade and commerce in the region.
 
Amit Narang, the Indian Ambassador to Oman, addressed the media at a briefing on Monday (May 27, 2024). "This is a unique initiative that showcases the rich history and trade ties between India and Oman. We are happy to receive more than 7,000 documents from 32 Indian families from Gujarat, who have been in Oman for over a century," he said. He emphasized the meticulous effort involved in archiving these historical documents and expressed satisfaction with the project's successful completion.
 
The project, titled ‘The Oman Collection – Archival Heritage of the Indian Community in Oman,’ was conducted from May 19-27, 2024, at the Embassy of India premises in Muscat. It marks the first overseas project undertaken by the NAI for digitising and archiving diaspora documents, underscoring a significant step in preserving the history of the Indian community abroad.
 
This initiative also received substantial support from the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) of Oman. Sheikh Anil Khimji, head of the Indian community in Oman, expressed his appreciation for the project, acknowledging the vision of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in engaging 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"The archiving of the historical documents of the Indian diaspora by the Embassy of India will go a long way in preserving their history and in doing so also showcase the time-tested bonds of friendship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," Khimji said.
 
Kalpana Shukla, Deputy Director at NAI, highlighted another significant aspect of the project: the recording and digitisation of oral histories. "This is the first time that we have decided to do oral digitising, and I had the chance to meet families and record ten senior members of the community. It was wonderful to know how Omanis and Indians lived in such harmony and trusted each other when it came to business and trade matters," Shukla remarked.
 
These firsthand narratives capture a wide range of stories, including personal anecdotes, migration experiences, and the evolution of the Indian community in Oman over the decades.
 
The digitised documents, which include materials in English, Arabic, Gujarati, and Hindi, will be archived and made accessible through ‘Abhilekh Patal,’ the digital portal of the NAI. This will allow researchers and the wider public to explore these valuable records, fostering a deeper understanding of the historical interactions and economic exchanges that have shaped the Indian community's presence in Oman.
 
Families whose documents were digitised include the Ratansi Purshotam family, Khimji Ramdas family, Haridas Nensey family, and many others. These documents provide a vivid narration of the Indian community's history in Oman, reflecting their integration into Omani society and the preservation of Indian traditions abroad.
 
Arun Singhal, NAI Director General, commented on the project's significance: "This is the first time that we have collected and digitised the private archives of diaspora documents from abroad. This marks a historic milestone for the NAI and a significant step towards preserving the rich heritage and narratives of the diverse overseas Indian community."
 
Ambassador Narang noted that this project aligns with Prime Minister Modi's vision of strengthening connections with the Indian diaspora worldwide. "By documenting and preserving the history of the Indian community in Oman, we are rekindling a vital part of our shared heritage and fostering a deeper engagement with our diaspora," he said.
 
The successful digitisation project not only preserves historical records but also promotes a more focused engagement with the Indian diaspora community in Oman. It highlights the longstanding friendship between India and Oman and serves as a valuable resource for future generations, ensuring that the rich heritage of the Indian community in Oman is accessible and appreciated.