Guwahati, Aug. 7 -- A handwritten farewell note in Assamese by a research scholar from Yale University has become the latest reminder of the growing international interest in Assam's historical archives.

After spending nearly two months conducting research at the Assam State Archives, the American scholar concluded his work this week with an unusual gesture, presenting the archives staff with a hand-drawn farewell card carrying a message written in Assamese.

Officials at the Assam State Archives described the gesture as one of the most memorable moments in recent years, noting that although scholars from across India and abroad regularly visit the repository for academic research, few leave behind such a personal tribute.

The scholar, ...