About the Book

Archival Science: Education and Training in India is a powerful call to action for policymakers, educators, and institutions to invest in preserving India’s documentary heritage. Archives are more than dusty files—they are the bedrock of governance, legal rights, cultural memory, and transparency. Yet, India suffers from a critical lack of archival science education, with the National Archives of India being the only formal training institution. As government agencies, universities, banks, and corporations demand better record-keeping and digital management, the need for trained archivists has never been more urgent. This book highlights how archival science—an interdisciplinary blend of history, law, IT, library science, and management—can become a dynamic academic and professional f ield. It advocates for integrated programmes nationwide that prepare professionals to protect our past while building the infrastructure for a digital future. Preserving the nation’s memory is not optional—it’s a responsibility. This is a timely manifesto for a field whose moment has arrived.

About the Author

Dr Meena Gautam is a distinguished Indian archivist and former Deputy Director of Archives and Head, School of Archival Studies (SAS) at the National Archives of India (NAI), New Delhi. With a PhD in Modern Indian History from the University of Delhi, she has over 35 years of experience in records management, archival education, and digital preservation. At NAI, she trained generations of professionals and led her team in the creation of the landmark Centre of Excellence for Digital Preservation with C-DAC Pune. Currently a Senior Academic Fellow at the Indian Council of Historical Research since 2024, she is researching the Indian Historical Records Commission. Dr Gautam has served on key advisory bodies, including the Archival Advisory Board and Board of Studies at NAI, and was also Director, National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities, ASI. A widely published scholar, she has authored two books and over 40 papers, and remains active in global archival networks.