The site visit report on the Uttarpara Joykrishna Mukherjee Public Library is a comprehensive survey conducted by the Indian History Awareness Research (IHAR) team, highlighting the library’s unparalleled status as a treasure trove of rare manuscripts, books, and archival materials crucial for understanding Bengal and India’s cultural and intellectual heritage. This survey was prompted by concerns raised by the descendants of Shri Joykrishna Mukherjee regarding the fragile state of invaluable collections within this historic institution. As an independent organization committed to heritage conservation, IHAR assessed the library to recommend steps for its safekeeping, digitization, and modernization, thereby continuing the library’s legacy as a pillar of learning and knowledge since its inception in 1859.

The project was overseen by Project Director Shri Surya Sarathi Roy, Director of India Operations at IHAR. The IHAR team comprised notable members including Shri Bhujang Bobde (Director, Karnataka Epigraphic Conservationist Archives), Ms. Manideepa Basu (Executive Member, Indian Museum), Ms. Mouli Roy (Executive Member, National Library), and Shri Sumit Ganguly (Co-Convenor Academic, IHAR), among others. Their collective expertise in history, museology, conservation, and law was pivotal in conducting a detailed evaluation of the library’s current condition and proposing actionable measures for its preservation.

Divya Chowdhary has obtained her Master’s degree in Palaeography, Epigraphy, and Numismatics from the Indian Institute of Heritage, Noida, after completing a B.A. (Hons.) in History from the University of Delhi. Her research focuses on ancient Indian inscriptions and coinage, supported by epigraphic knowledge of Sanskrit, Prakrit, Arabic, and Persian. She has presented papers at national and international forums, and her M.A. dissertation examines Inscriptions of Royal Women from Early Medieval India. Alongside academic research, she actively shares insights on epigraphy and heritage through her LinkedIn platform.

Shivam Dubey is a dedicated PhD scholar at Nagpur University, specializing in Ancient Indian Culture and Archaeology. A postgraduate from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai (2016), he has since developed a dynamic career spanning field archaeology, prehistory, conservation, museology, numismatics, and heritage studies.

His research focuses on ancient Indian temple architecture, art, and iconography, particularly related to the Kalachuris and Central India. Shivam has contributed to several major projects, including serving as Chief Archaeological Officer for the Sirpur Heritage Impact Assessment in Chhattisgarh.

He has presented over 25 papers at national conferences, authored more than 19 peer-reviewed publications, and written 11 books and booklets. His notable fieldwork includes the Tripuri Excavation, Buxwaha and Devgarh Explorations, and surveys across 18 districts of Madhya Pradesh. Recent initiatives include documentation in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Raisen’s Great Wall, and museum development at Nainagiri.

His acclaimed work at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, under ASI Jabalpur, was globally recognized and listed among the top ten discoveries by Heritage Daily. Shivam has worked with institutions like the Indian Archaeological Society, ASI, Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum, and Prarang, while actively promoting heritage awareness through platforms like the G20 Summit and Heritage Pathshala.