Distinguished Academician Ram Krishna Rajput Donates Priceless Archival Collection to National Archives of India

Bhubaneswar: Renowned academician, journalist, author, and writer Dr. Ram Krishna Rajput from Uttar Pradesh has donated his invaluable archival collection to the National Archives of India. The collection, entitled “Dr. Ram Krishna Rajput Collection,” includes ancient manuscripts in multiple languages, rare photographs, handwritten maps, rare books, and thousands of designs created by local textile designers.

The donation was formally signed during a ceremony held at the National Archives in New Delhi on December 17, 2024. Dr. Rajput, along with his family, handed over his extensive documentary collection to Arun Singhal, Director General of the National Archives. The ceremony also honored Dr. Rajput and his wife, former Uttar Pradesh MLA Urmila Rajput, with traditional accolades for their significant contribution to preserving India’s rich heritage.

Dr. Ram Krishna Rajput, an eighty-year-old scholar from Farrukhabad district in Uttar Pradesh, has a distinguished career as a college principal and holds postgraduate degrees in Hindi, Political Science, and Economics, along with a D.Litt. He has authored over 60 books spanning various subjects, including history, archaeology, tourism, literature, journalism, Dalit literature, and personality development. His writings have been published in prestigious magazines such as Pragya Sahitya, Gyan Ganga, Farrukhabad: Hamari Virasat, and others. Dr. Rajput has received numerous awards, including the Sahitya Bhushan award from the Uttar Pradesh Government and honors from the Hindustani Academy and Indian Dalit Literature Academy.

During the ceremony, Dr. Rajput recounted how his passion for collecting ancient artifacts and documents led him to gather these priceless pieces over the past 50 years. His collection includes terracotta artifacts, stone and metal sculptures, coins, artworks, seals, and weapons, reflecting a rich cultural and historical heritage.

The National Archives will meticulously preserve and digitize this collection, making it accessible to researchers and the public through its online portal, Abhilekh Patal (https://www.abhilekh-patal.in/jspui/).