India
For much of the 19th century and nearly half of the 20th, the majority of the Indian subcontinent was under British rule. The history of conquest and colonisation of India, its independence and partition is well documented by the library and archive collections, which includes the personal papers of key members of the British government in India.
Researching through the collections
This collection primarily focuses on Indian history and politics, tracing the country's journey from the Mughal Empire through the centuries of British rule to its final struggle for independence. Many titles highlight the lives of key historical figures, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, as well as influential British administrators like Robert Clive and Warren Hastings. There is also a strong emphasis on military history, with detailed accounts of the Indian Army, various wars, and the maritime activities of the East India Company.
Beyond politics and war, the collections cover a wide range of social and cultural topics, such as religious traditions (Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, and Buddhism) and the daily customs of various tribes and ethnic groups. You will find extensive materials on Indian literature, including ancient Sanskrit works and Bengali poetry. The records also include significant information on art, architecture, and photography, alongside economic studies of major industries like cotton, tea, and agriculture. Exploration and travel are also well-represented, with guides and journals covering Delhi, Calcutta, and the Himalayas, as well as neighboring regions like Afghanistan, Tibet, and Persia.
Notable collections/collectors
The Borthwick Institute holds the archives of the Wood family, Earls of Halifax, who had dealings with the East India Company from the 18th century and played a key role in the British Raj. The 1st Viscount Halifax served as Secretary of State for India 1859-1866, and the Earl of Halifax served as Viceroy of India 1926-1931.
The library’s collections in turn cover the history of India and Pakistan from the 16th century to the present day, with a particular focus on the rise of the East India Company, British colonial expansion and its effects.
John and Felicity Riddy collection of books on Indian history, art and politics.
Attlee collection which includes works on the independence of India and the formation of Pakistan.
How to access the collections
All the collections can be accessed via the Library's online catalogue. A valid University of York username and password is required to access content online.
Items held in the library can be consulted on site. Most of these titles can be borrowed using a suitable library card, some titles might be reference only and can only be read on site.
Items held in the Borthwick can be consulted in the Borthwick Reading Room and copies can be made subject to copyright and condition. These materials cannot be loaned outside the University of York without the permission of the owners. Books in the Rare Books Collection and may also be consulted at the Borthwick Institute for Archives.