In July 2024, the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) established the NLS Law and Society Archives, a multimedia repository dedicated to preserving and making accessible records of the legal profession, legal education, and social initiatives that have shaped the legal landscape in independent India. The Archives serves as a vital resource for research, teaching, and public engagement at the university.
One of the core missions of the Archives is to contribute to informed public discourse by making available rare and significant records from independent India’s history, sourced from the collections of individuals, institutions and collectives.
NLSIU has expanded its archival team and included dedicated space for the archives as part of its redevelopment plans. It is building digital archival infrastructure to enable access to its collections in the coming months.
Why an Archives at NLSIU?
India’s rapid transformation over the past few decades necessitates comprehensive documentation for study and analysis. Since its establishment in 1988, NLSIU has played a pivotal role in shaping legal education in India. Its commitment to integrating social sciences with legal studies, maintaining high standards of teaching and research, and fostering public trust makes it uniquely positioned to initiate a permanent Law and Society Archives.
As a research-focused institution, NLSIU is well-equipped to acquire, preserve, and provide access to archival collections in both physical and digital formats. These collections will be open to the public, ensuring the long-term preservation of Indian socio-legal history while enhancing the quality of informed public discourse.
A 1,000 sq. ft. space has been earmarked for the Archives, signifying a long-term commitment to safeguarding the rich tapestry of India’s socio-legal heritage.
Challenges of Record Keeping in India
Historians have noted that research on independent India increasingly relies on a combination of state and non-state archives. Given the diversity of regional efforts and fields of knowledge, archives must collect relevant materials while employing innovative and creative documentation methods. In response to this need, civic efforts to preserve contemporary histories have emerged, yet they face significant challenges.
One major issue is that private collections often become financially unsustainable or lack trained personnel, leading to gradual deterioration. Additionally, independent archives frequently receive insufficient public attention and remain underutilised in research contexts.
Addressing these challenges requires institutional support, skilled personnel and robust digital infrastructure. By integrating these elements, archives can remain dynamic and relevant, preserving knowledge for future generations.
Ammel Sharon
Dr. Megha Sharma