When we first began in December 2020, we started with what seemed like a collection comprising a lakh papers, a few photographs, maps, and office records—but as we’ve continued to receive more collections, the sheer volume and diversity of materials and formats have not yet been fully comprehended. From handwritten letters, reports, and rare books to photographs, negatives, film reels, artworks, objects,  etc, the Pattani Archives now holds a wide range of archival materials, each carrying its own story.

The scope of the archive spans from regional histories to subjects of national importance and international relations. The materials document the workings of the princely state of Bhavnagar, other Kathiawar states, the Bombay Presidency, the Indian independence movement, and more. Select historical records connected to our archive have also been traced in institutions like the British Library, London, and in collections related to Mahatma Gandhi. 

As we step into the fifth year of the archives, we’ve discovered new ways to offer access while the cataloguing processes continue. Drawing from various  community engagement experiences over these years, we have identified some  subjects, and themes that might be of interest. Apart from that the collections are also identified by its donors and types of archival items. If you would like to know more about any of these collections,  you may write to us at pattaniarchives@gmail.com