Pune: Government-appointed researchers searching for records of the Kunbi community in the archives at Daund have uncovered rare British-era documents written in the Modi script.
During the search for Kunbi records in the archives of Daund taluka, Modi script readers Kanchan Abhay Kothavale, Sandeep Shivale, Madhukar Barate, and Vaibhav Shitole discovered various village documents from the British period.
These records reveal that paper for authentic records in the revenue department was imported from abroad. The documents are bound with covers bearing the logo of the Company Government, and one cover even features an illustration made from animal hide. Additionally, there are pictures of various British governors and Queen Victoria.
Among the finds is a colorful picture of Queen Victoria and a file marked "Made in Austria." The documents include covers imported by the British government from countries like Belgium, Austria, and France, and feature logos of the British and Company Government.
This discovery highlights Daund's significant status during the British era. The records, some dating back to 1845, need careful handling due to their age.
The efforts of Tehsildar Arun Shelar, Deputy Tehsildar Sheetal Deshmukh, Sharad Bhong, and Ravi Jarad have been instrumental in this work. During the British period, Daund was an important railway administration center and had the first wireless station in the region.
Post becoming a railway junction, the British built two churches for Christian missionaries. Following the completion of the railway bridge over the Bhima River in 1878, transportation extended to Manmad, with the bridge still in use today. Due to railway facilities, goods manufactured abroad reached Daund. The first census in Daund was conducted in 1871.
"We found a treasure trove of rare British-era items while handling old documents. These records are still in excellent condition, with attractive covers. Over 25 documents feature different British-era photographs," said Kanchan Kothavale, Modi script researcher of the Shinde Committee.
"The discovered revenue evidence indicates that Daund was a crucial railway center during the British era. The preservation of these rare covers will be undertaken by the Daund revenue department," stated Arun Shelar, Tehsildar of Daund.
