SIP Interns' Archival Exploration on Gujarat’s Princely States

An interesting research project on the political history of Gujarat's princely states focused on how historical narratives are constructed through primary sources attracted two curious interns this summer: Razikha Faizal, a postgraduate student from IIT Gandhinagar, and Vihaan Kumar, an undergraduate student from Delhi University.

They joined Ahmedabad University through its Summer Internship Programme (SIP)​​​​​​, which invites qualified and motivated students from other institutions to participate in cutting-edge research alongside the University's world-class faculty. The programme reinforces Ahmedabad University's commitment to fostering research and academic collaboration, offering interns hands-on experience and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to ongoing scholarly work.

As part of their internship, Razikha and Vihaan had the opportunity to visit the Pattani Archives in Bhavnagar, an integral element of Professor Tana Trivedi​​​​​​'s research (Amrut Mody School of Management​​​​​​, Ahmedabad University) on the region's archival history. There, they gained firsthand exposure to the meticulous process of archiving historical records, from cleaning and fumigation to cataloguing, digitising, and facilitating community engagement.

Their experience extended beyond technical work. They explored the archives' storage spaces, including the Bhavnagar Palace and the Juno Bungalow, deepening their appreciation for the role of private archives in preserving public memory. The archive team also introduced them to the historical background and thoughtful curation of the Pattani collection, and they even viewed a historical film about Bhavnagar's ports and railways for additional context.

SIP is designed to combine academic rigour with a vibrant and nurturing environment that enables personal and intellectual growth. Reflecting on their time at Ahmedabad University, the interns described their experience as enriching and memorable. They appreciated the lively and open campus atmosphere, which quickly felt like home, and valued the sense of community at the hostel. Working under Professor Trivedi was particularly rewarding - her warmth, clarity, and constant support made each task meaningful and engaging. They also praised the SIP organising team for their support throughout the programme. The experience left a lasting impression, marked by valuable learning, heartfelt memories, and sincere gratitude.