National Archives of Nepal

National Archives of Nepal (Nepali: राष्ट्र�� अभिलेखालय, Rastriya Abhilekhālaya) is the central government institution responsible for collecting, preserving, describing, and providing access to the archival records of Nepal. It is administered under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and holds government records, historical manuscripts and other documentary heritage that document Nepal’s political, social and cultural history. Narchives +1

History

The National Archives was formally established in 1967 AD (2024 BS) to serve as the principal repository for the nation’s archival records. The foundation and development of the institution were followed by the enactment of the Archives Preservation Act, 2046 (1989 AD) and its associated regulation, which provide the principal legal framework for preservation, custody and management of archival documents in Nepal. Narchives +1

Location and access

The National Archives is located on Ramshah Path / Tanka Prasad Ghumti Sadak in central Kathmandu. Contact details and public information (including working hours and services) are published on the Archives’ official website. The Archives generally provides public access for research and reference during its stated working hours, while also offering internal services to government agencies for records management. Narchives +1

Mandate and functions

The Archives’ main functions are to:

Acquire and preserve non-current official records of government bodies and selected private records of long-term value;

Provide reference and research services to scholars, students, and the public;

Arrange, describe and create finding aids for archival holdings; and

Promote conservation, microfilming and digitization to safeguard fragile and unique materials. These responsibilities are carried out in accordance with the Archives Preservation Act and institutional regulations. Narchives +1

Collections

The National Archives holds a wide range of material types, including government files, registers, maps, photographs, rare manuscripts and printed materials in Nepali, Newar (Nepāla Bhāṣā), Sanskrit and other languages. It preserves historically important records of administrative departments, land and revenue documents, and cultural manuscripts. Specialized catalogs and published guides (including listings of Newar-language manuscripts preserved at the Archives) have been produced to help researchers locate items. Narchives +1

Conservation and digitization

Recognizing the vulnerability of paper and manuscript collections, the National Archives has pursued conservation activities and partnered in digitization projects to increase preservation and access. International and academic collaborations — including microfilming and digitization of manuscript series — have resulted in major digital surrogates being deposited with or handed over to the Archives, improving long-term preservation and researcher access to fragile materials. Narchives +1

Organization

The Archives is organized administratively under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and maintains internal departments for acquisition, arrangement and description, conservation, and public services. Organizational charts, key administrative contacts and periodic announcements are posted on the official site. Narchives +1

Legislation and policy

The Archives Preservation Act, 2046 (1989) and the Archives Preservation Regulation form the core statutory basis for the custody and protection of archival records in Nepal. These instruments set out provisions on transfer of records, custody, access, and the responsibilities of public bodies with respect to records management and archival deposit. Narchives +1

Research use and publications

The National Archives supports academic research and has published finding aids, catalogs and occasional studies based on its holdings. It also engages in outreach through exhibitions and public notices when materials of broad interest are made available. External directories and archival guides list the Archives as a primary research institution for Nepalese historical and administrative records. Narchives +1