Question

Archives are places where _____ are kept.

Answer 1

Hint:Archives contain records that are selected for long term preservation. An archive may also be called a repository in some places.

Complete answer:
Archives are places where historical records are kept. Archives contain records that are selected for long term preservation. These records are unique and do not have multiple identical copies. An archival section may be found in library buildings, but the archive itself is very distinct from a library. The person who works in archives is known as an ‘archivist’. ‘Archival science’ is the study and practice of organizing and preserving the materials in archives. It also includes providing access to information and materials in the archives. An archive may also be called a repository in some places.
This practice of keeping historical records is not new. Archives of hundreds of clay tablets have been discovered by archaeologists. These ancient archives can be dated back to 2000-3000 BC. These ancient archives give us knowledge about the alphabets, languages and politics that were active during that time period. These discoveries were made in Amarna in Egypt, Mari and Ebla in Syria and Pylos in Greece. The most developed ancient archives were of the Chinese, Greeks and Roman. But these records have been lost because these archives stored records in paper and paper deteriorates faster than stone or clay tablets.
There are various types of archives-
Academic – It is often situated inside libraries of universities and colleges and exists to preserve the institution’s history. It may contain administrative records, personal and professional papers and memorabilia.
Government – It is maintained by the government (local, state or national). These archives are open to the public and are frequently visited by reporters, genealogists, historians etc.
Church – The Vatican Secret Archive is an example of a church archive. They include papal records, manuscripts, local church records, oral histories, architectural drawings etc.

Thus, the correct answer is ‘HISTORICAL RECORDS’.

Note: In India, the National Archives of India(NAI) is present in New Delhi.
It was originally established in Kolkata in 1891, as The Imperial Record Department.
It was transferred to New Delhi in 1911 and shifted to a new building in 1926 (after India’s capital was shifted from Kolkata to Delhi).