Dubai, United Arab Emirates – In a heroic effort to protect the memory of the Indian capital and New Delhi’s historical treasures, experts at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts are restoring thousands of historical documents. These documents were nearly lost to oblivion. New Delhi Treasures: This unique collection, some dating back to the early 20th century, sheds light on the past of Shahjahanabad, also known as Old Delhi. Preserving New Delhi’s treasures enhances our understanding of its ancient history.
Among the most prominent of these documents is a collection compiled by British officer A. G. Wilson between 1910 and 1912. It includes rare maps and valuable records of the city’s residents. These treasures, which were stored haphazardly in an old building, were on the verge of extinction due to India’s harsh climate. They occupy a significant place among New Delhi’s diverse treasures.
“We are preserving memory,” says Achal Pandya, head of the center’s conservation lab. Restorers hope these documents will find their way into a museum, making them accessible to all. Observers wonder: Can a collection of papers reconstruct the history of an entire city? It’s possible that these documents will contribute significantly to the discovery of New Delhi’s other hidden treasures.
