A milestone joint symposium, “Arabic Documents in Indian Archives,” took place in Riyadh and was jointly organized by the National Archives of India (NAI) and King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah). The symposium was co-chaired by Ambassador Dr. Suhel Khan (Embassy of India, Riyadh) and Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Khuraif, Deputy Executive President of the Foundation.
The symposium commemorated centuries-long cultural and intellectual ties between the Arab world and India, with an emphasis on Arabic and Persian manuscripts that are kept in Indian archives — Mughal-era firmans, trade treaties, and Hajj-related documents among them. Researchers from both countries underscored how they are important in mapping pilgrimages of yesteryears, trade corridors, and diplomatic exchanges.
Presentations by NAI’s Shri N. Raju Singh and Shri K.C. Jena offered rare insights into documents preserved in Indian repositories, such as the Hyderabad State Archives, which illustrate Indian rulers’ support for Hajj pilgrims.
This collaborative effort strengthens Indo-Saudi academic partnerships and opens new avenues for joint historical research, while preserving a rich legacy of Indo-Arab heritage.
Courtesy: Indian Community of Jeddah’s Facebook Page