Sources of Modern Indian History

Archival and Government Records

• Includes government records from public, revenue, political, and judicial branches.
• The National Archives of India and state archives house a significant portion of these records.
• Records from Fort Williams (Bengal), Madras, and Bombay Presidencies provide socio-political insights.
• Archives of European powers (Portuguese, Dutch, French, Danish) preserved in India and abroad.
• Judicial records from Mayor’s and Supreme Courts offer legal and administrative perspectives.
• Published archives include parliamentary papers, reports of select committees, and royal commissions.
• Foreign repositories store records in England (India Office Records), France (Archives Nationale), and Denmark.
• Private archives consist of personal and organizational documents (e.g., Indian National Congress papers).

Literary, Journalistic, and Oral Sources

• Biographies and memoirs of missionaries, civil servants, and travelers provide personal historical accounts.
• Newspapers and journals from the late 18th century offer contemporary socio-political perspectives.
• Oral histories and personal reminiscences serve as non-written sources for historical reconstruction.

Cultural and Visual Sources

• Creative literature, including novels and literary works from the 19th century onwards, reflect cultural and social narratives.
• Paintings such as Company and Kalighat paintings depict socio-economic and political life during the colonial period.