TN Govt Offers Fellowships for Research on Rare Archives

• Tamil Nadu invites researchers to study unique historical documents in archives.
• Selected 20 researchers will receive Rs 50,000 monthly research allowance.
• Fellowship projects aim to uncover overlooked history and enhance public awareness.

Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhian declared that researchers are invited to submit applications to examine unique historical documents kept in the state archives. As per the minister, 20 chosen researchers will get a monthly allowance of Rs 50,000.

“The applications will be accepted until November 28,” he said. In a statement, Chezhian said the Tamil Nadu Archives maintains government departmental records dating back three centuries. “This archive, formerly known as the ‘Madras Record Office,’ has been functioning in its current building since 1909. Books dating back to 1633 and documents from 1670 onwards are preserved here,” he added.

Also Read: OpenAI Begins Hiring in Bengaluru for Tech Roles

The minister stated in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly that the Tamil Nadu Historical Research Council, founded in 1973 to enhance understanding of the state’s history, would be reorganized to meet modern requirements, with 10 to 15 research projects carried out each year. “Orders have been issued to restructure the Tamil Nadu Historical Research Council and provide research fellowships to 20 individuals for historical studies,” Chezhian said.

Applications will open on Monday for postgraduate degree holders or independent researchers to undertake one-year research projects, the statement noted. Candidates who are interested are urged to present comprehensive proposals emphasizing the importance and extent of their research. The project seeks to reveal overlooked historical stories, boost scholarly research, and increase public consciousness of Tamil Nadu’s abundant cultural legacy.