Aims and objectives
The objective of this project was to digitise and preserve a comprehensive collection of annual reports from the Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry (1951–1972), the Indian Tea Association (1921–1938), and the Indian Jute Mills Association (1907–1966), using advanced remote capture methods. The collection is projected to include approximately 15,000 files. These documents provide significant insight into the business and economic conditions of Bengal throughout these decades. The digitised materials will serve as a vital resource for academic researchers, historians, and the public, offering unprecedented access to key historical data on Bengal's commercial and industrial development. A key aspect of the project was the development of training programs at the School of Cultural Texts and Records to enhance the skills of participants and local partners in digital preservation. The project also sought to raise awareness of the importance of preserving endangered business records for the benefit of scholars and the global public.
Outcomes
We have successfully digitised 32 volumes, consisting of 19 reports from the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (1954–1963), 8 annual reports from the Indian Tea Association (1919–1934), and 5 reports from the Indian Jute Mill Association (1906–1911). This effort has resulted in a total of 14,071 digitised images covering a wide range of topics such as Chamber matters, finance, taxation, sales tax, law and legislation, imports, exports and customs, industry and labour, transport and communications, and marine affairs.
