A BRIEF ON HERITAGE ARCHIVES

Heritage is an independent professional depository of important documents, photographs, leaflets, posters, private correspondences, journals and periodicals, magazines, local history books, and audiovisual and digital items. It aims at creating a new type of open, service-oriented and user-friendly archives in Bangladesh. THE FOCUS IS ON

  1. Social movements (pro-democracy, labour, students’, peasant, women’s’, environmental, Islamic, nationalist, human right(s)
  2. Social transformation (emergence of NGO’S, urban growth, new entrepreneurial groups, labour migration, popular culture).

Heritage focuses on the post-colonial period (1947 onward), but also welcomes older material. It concentrates on material produced by civil society but also include material produced by state institutions. Here is what you need to know about the story oh Heritage Archives.

Background of Heritage Archives

Historical Bengal is known as a region where various historical events took place. In 2002, a team of researchers conducted extensive research to uncover the historical treasures of Bengal. Through this research, they discovered about 3300 archaeological sites, including 30,000 artifacts, such as coins, pottery, sculptures, and architectural remains. Among these discoveries were 5500 ancient settlements, 5500 forts, 64 ancient bridges, and 11,000 ancient roads. Additionally, they found evidence of cultural exchanges, trade routes, and religious practices, indicating the rich heritage of Bengal. The research also revealed the presence of ancient rivers and canals, which played a vital role in the region's history. Furthermore, the team identified 5300 ancient mosques, with the oldest dating back to 493 AH. The research also documented 1200 ancient temples and 500 historical manuscripts. Various artifacts, including jewelry, weapons, ceramics, coins, musical instruments, and textiles, were also uncovered during the research. The team utilized advanced technologies, including satellite imagery, GIS mapping, and remote sensing, to analyze and document the archaeological sites. They also conducted field surveys and excavations to gather additional data. Ancient Bengal has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from various civilizations, including Indian, Persian, Greek, Roman, Arab, and Chinese. The region has been home to diverse communities, including Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Muslims, Christians, and Jews, who have contributed to its vibrant cultural tapestry. The architectural styles, artistic traditions, religious practices, and linguistic diversity of Bengal reflect its multicultural heritage. Ancient Heritage aims to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Bengal for future generations. Through research, documentation, conservation, and public outreach initiatives, Ancient Heritage seeks to raise awareness about the importance of preserving Bengal's historical legacy. By fostering a sense of pride and ownership among local communities, Ancient Heritage hopes to safeguard Bengal's cultural heritage for future generations.

Useful information

Heritage has been functioning in a separate building of 510sqm. The length of Heritage collection would be approximately 2.5 km.

It has no permanent staff. The founder himself and some temporary staff work here.
It currently remains open 3 & a half hours a day, from 9.00am to 12.30Pm. Three researchers can work together. For financial constraints it can not provide much facilities to the researchers.
Seminars and workshops are being organised regularly to build awarness about archives in Bangladesh.
Heritage Trust publishes a quarterly journal titled Sthaniya Itihas (Local History). Its eleven issues has already been published and the 12th issue is now in press.
It has two guest rooms for the readers. Only researchers can stay their at night only for the purpose of research.
A Trust has been formed. This archives is now the property of the trust.
The Heritage, unique in itself, is established out of founders own resources. Often it receives small generous grant from his close friends, which is insignificant.
Heritage Building

Heritage Archives: Itihaser Ashram (Documentary film on Heritage Archives, Rajshahi)

ইতিহাসের সংগ্রহশালা হেরিটেজ আর্কাইভস | Heritage Archives: Museum of History and Inheritance