Historians, including esteemed JNU professors who have contributed significantly to the field of historical research and teaching in India, are urging the Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to reconsider what they deem a rushed decision to relocate a prestigious research library on the university campus. The renowned Centre for Historical Studies (CHS) library is at the centre of this controversy, with around 18,000 items of primary research material, books, and theses slated to be moved to two separate buildings.
The move has sparked opposition from both former and current faculty members, who are expressing their dissent through letters and a signature campaign. The concerned historians include eminent scholars such as Romila Thapar, Harbans Mukhia, K.N. Panikkar, and others. They contend that the library’s relocation could undermine its valuable collection of primary sources, which are crucial for advanced-level teaching and research in the field of history.
The CHS library holds a wealth of primary sources, including materials from Tamil Nadu archives, French archives, volumes of inscriptions, and literary texts. These primary sources are essential for historical research, as they provide direct evidence of past events and phenomena. The library also houses collections from renowned scholars like Bernard Cohn, Satish Chandra, and D.N. Gupta, which have enriched academic endeavours.
Furthermore, the professors argue that the CHS library has played a pivotal role in shaping the academic landscape of JNU and beyond. Its comprehensive collection and intensive tutorial-based teaching program have set a precedent for other centres to establish their own departmental libraries.
The move to repurpose the library’s premises for the Special Centre for Tamil Studies has raised concerns about the potential loss of the library as a unified entity. Students, alumni, and academics from around the world have rallied to oppose the relocation and are circulating petitions to garner support from the academic community.
The JNU Teachers’ Association (JNUTA) has also voiced its concerns, highlighting the importance of preserving resources and access to libraries like the CHS and Exim Bank libraries. The association emphasises that reallocating these spaces could lead to a loss of valuable academic resources.
In light of the widespread opposition, historians and academics are appealing to the university administration to reconsider the decision and protect the integrity of the CHS library, which stands as a testament to India’s commitment to scholarly pursuit and historical understanding.
