Historical documents a big draw at Archives exhibition

Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar’s order letter to appoint Sir M Visvesvaraya as Chief Engineer of Mysore province, written on September 24, 1909, was an attraction at the exhibition organised by the Karnataka State Archives to mark its ‘Foundation Day’ on Monday and Tuesday.

Copies of such historic letters were on display at the exhibition at Nataraj First Grade Residential College for Women by the Karnataka State Archives department.

The displays are from 1869 to 1950, during the administration of the Wadiyar kings in the erstwhile Mysore province.

The exhibits include a letter written by artist Raja Ravi Varma on June 14, 1906, regarding the telegraphic message about the arrival of poet Rabindranath Tagore to Mysuru on September 24, 1922 on Mysore Dasara Industrial and Agricultural Exhibition, in 1908, a letter of permission sought by Sri Anavatti Ramarao to stage ‘Vasantamitra Vijaya’ drama before the Maharaja of Mysore on July 7, 1906, a circular regarding Durbar, visit of British resident to Jaganmohan Palace on September 30, 1903, private secretary to Maharaja Mirza M Ismail’s notice regarding European Durbar on September 5, 1925, letter from then Astagrama Commissioner to the Chief Commissioner regarding submission of plan and estimate for improving road to Chamundi Hill on October 2, 1896, etc.

Neelakantaswamy, associate professor, History, Government First Grade College, Bannur, had arrived along with his students.

He said, “Karnataka State Archives department has displayed several valuable historical records. This is informative. There is a need to understand history. Every college should organise such exhibitions in association with the Karnataka Archives separtment.”

Gavisiddaiah, Deputy Director of the department, said, “The department has a collection of 13,000 historic letters and records from the year 1869 to 1951. All these historic records have been preserved through digitalisation.”