Changes

The Mormons have an extensive program to microfilm film vast numbers of old records which are an aid to genealogy. For example, they microfilm film records of churches of all denominations, ancient land tax records, military records, shipping lists, census records and so on. They make these microfilms Most records are available to all people, regardless of religion, and depending on your locationalthough a few are restricted to LDS church members. Previously, the filming was available in the form of microfilms can be viewed . However this format is no longer generally available, and microfilms have now all been digitised, although this does NOT mean that all are available to view online. Some records are available to view for free on your home computer, however some records are only available to view at a [[FamilySearch Centres|FamilySearch Centre]], or for perhaps at a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, while specified chargesome records are not available to view online at all, for contractual, or privacy reasons.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or LDS, now has a website [https://familysearch.org '''FamilySearch''']. Records may be found mainly in two three sections of the website under the category Search, subcategories Records (also called Historical Records) , Genealogies, and GenealogiesFamily Tree. In addition, details of digitised microfilms may be located through the Catalogue Search, refer below.

The category categories Genealogies and Family Tree contains records and family trees submitted by users. The website states: "Accuracy of the data in these genealogies varies from tree to tree; we encourage you to validate all data". The term IGI is now restricted to a subcategory of submitted records in Genealogies. Some records in Family Tree include Sources, which enables you to evaluate, or check, the source of the information, but some information appears unsupported by evidence, and should be considered speculative.

<br>First click on Search/Records. To access the India and Ceylon records, then click on the map for “Asia and Middle East” and select either India, or Sri Lanka. Click on "Start researching in India".This will bring you to a Search facility which searches all the searchable databases for India (a handy new feature available from c October 2014). The direct link is [https://familysearch.org/search/collection/location/1927063 '''India''']. If you want to search a particular database (for baptisms, marriages or burials), click on "view all collections". India related baptisms, marriages and burials can also be researched by using the at left side filter [https://familysearch.org/search/collection/list#page=1&region=ASIA_MIDDLE_EAST '''Asia and Middle East Records''']. The searchable India records are '''transcriptions''', are described as index records and do not contain images.:'''Note''': The set of records which comprises the searchable India records are now also available on [[findmypast]], as searchable records with images.

From this group of records, The [https://www.familysearch.org/learnsearch/wikicollection/enlocation/Sri_Lanka,_Colombo_District_Dutch_Reformed_Church_Records_(FamilySearch_Historical_Records)1927054?region=Sri%20Lanka Sri Lanka page] contains the database '''Sri Lanka, Colombo District Dutch Reformed Church Records 1677-1990'''(Alternative [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/1780708 catalogue entry] are also available with ). '''Indexes''' and images online, but are not searchable and further click though to a FamilySearch Wiki page about these records. Note, the images may take some time to load. An India List post gives some hints Hints for browsing these [[Ceylon]] images.<ref>India List post Loulie Genealogy. [httphttps://archiverweb.rootswebarchive.ancestry.comorg/web/20200930000511/thhttps:/read/INDIAmlarchives.rootsweb.com/2011-02listindexes/1297851646 "emails?listname=&thread=1316106 LDS - Asia & Middle East - Sri Lanka/Colombo"] dated ''Rootsweb India Mailing List'' 16 February 2011 , archived. Also Loulie Genealogy. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200507051926/https://lists.rootsweb.com/hyperkitty/list/india.rootsweb.com/thread/35487737/ Dutch Records - Colombo Sri Lanka] ''Rootsweb India Mailing List'' 26 November 2019, archived.</ref> Another <br>A series of images only (not searchable)(added March 2013), accessible from the same link India page is [https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/India,_Gujarat_Diocese_Protestant_Church_Records_(FamilySearch_Historical_Records) -_FamilySearch_Historical_Records '''India, Gujarat Diocese Protestant Church Records, 1854-2012'''] Some of the records are in the Hindi and Gujarati languages, but there are some records in English, as evidenced by one of the [https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/File:India,_Gujarat_Diocese_Church_Records_DGS_7251285_3_Baptism_Gujarat,_Protestant_Baptism_1944_DGS_7251285_img_3.jpg sample records] shown. The [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/4092149 Catalogue entry] shows some pre 1947 records, but most seem to be post 1947.<br>A further set of images only (not searchable) was added May 2015, [https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/India,_Madras_Diocese_Protestant_Church_Records_(FamilySearch_Historical_Records) -_FamilySearch_Historical_Records '''India, Madras Diocese Protestant Church Records, 1743-1990'''], baptisms, marriages and burials from the Church of South India, Madras Diocese. [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/1123389 Catalogue entry]. These are the type of records known as [[Church records#Bishops' Transcripts|Bishop's Transcripts]], copies sent by parishes to the Diocesan Office. Hints for browsing these records.<ref>Cheryl. [httphttps://archiverweb.rootswebarchive.ancestry.comorg/thweb/read20200930001113/INDIAhttps:/2016-11/1478862721 mlarchives.rootsweb.com/listindexes/emails?listname=&thread=113724 Baptism records - Madras Presidency] ''Rootsweb India Mailing List'' 11 November 2016. Retrieved 11 November 2016, archived.</ref> '''Note''':The category date range allocated by FamilySeach for these latter records may be very unreliable. As an example for [https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-37715-183-8?cc=2174941&wc=3NH8-16F:1584404203 Marriages: 1872 Jul-1877 Jun], page 1 shows some marriages from 1843, and the majority of the records on the first four pages are either earlier or later than the dates specified. (The images for Madras Diocese Protestant Church Records appear to be extracted from'''Update August 2021''': At least some records in this series are being indexed, or perhaps may and in time will be added to the complete setFamilySearch database, of eighteen microfilms, [https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/1123389?availability=Family%20History%20Library catalogue entry])and be searchable.

To confuse matters, the (small) number of records for "other" areas in Asia such as [[Macao]], [[Singapore]], [[Bencoolen]] etc available on the FamilySearch website now are not found in the Asia category, but in the “All Published Collections” category, subcategory "Other", in a group of records called "World Miscellaneous" and may be accessed through the following links:''' [https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1783956 World Miscellaneous Births and Baptisms], [https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1809045 World Miscellaneous Marriages], [https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1809046 World Miscellaneous Deaths and Burials]Further images'''. Included in this group are records from [[St. Helena]], [[China]] and a small number from [[Indonesia]], [[Iran]], previously Persia, and a few records from India and Bangladesh.<ref>[https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/World_Miscellaneous_Births_and_Baptisms,_Coverage_Table_(FamilySearch_Historical_Records) World Miscellaneous Births and Baptismsmay be located through the catalogue Search, Coverage Table (FamilySearch Historical Records)] FamilySearch Wikirefer below. Retrieved 19 September 2014</ref>

To confuse matters, the (small) number of transcribed records for "other" areas in Asia such as [[Macao]], [[Singapore]], [[Bencoolen]] etc available on the FamilySearch website now are not found in the Asia category, but in the “All Published Collections” category, subcategory "Other", in a group of records called "World Miscellaneous" and may be accessed through the following links:''' [https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1783956 World Miscellaneous Births and Baptisms], [https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1809045 World Miscellaneous Marriages], [https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1809046 World Miscellaneous Deaths and Burials]'''. Included in this group are records from [[St. Helena]], [[China]] and a small number from [[Indonesia]], [[Iran]], previously Persia, and a few records from India and Bangladesh.<ref>[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/World_Miscellaneous_Births_and_Baptisms_-_FamilySearch_Historical_Records#Coverage_Table World Miscellaneous Births and Baptisms, Coverage Table (FamilySearch Historical Records)] FamilySearch Wiki. Retrieved 18 January 2020.</ref> There may also be some records from India and other areas of Asia in the transcribed FamilySearch Index records from [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/2221801 Find A Grave] and [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/2026973 BillionGraves]. The LDS FamilySearch website previously described the transcribed records for India as "Index entries derived from digital copies of original and compiled records" for births and baptisms, marriages, deaths and burials. The current description is "Index based upon data collected by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City". They in fact appear to be based on the '''India Office [[Church records|church records]] at the British Library , including the N/5 [[Princely states|Indian States]] records'''.<ref>India List Clark, Noel. [httphttps://archiverweb.rootswebarchive.ancestry.comorg/web/th20200930001538/readhttps:/india/2010-10mlarchives.rootsweb.com/listindexes/1286947107 post emails?listname=&thread=1662558 Notation against burial index record] ''Rootsweb India Mailing List'' 13 October 2010], archived.</ref> , although FamilySearch has never confirmed this source. However, it appears that the records from the [[LDS Microfilms for Church Records outside of the usual Presidencies#Madras Ecclesiastical Returns - Omissions and Corrections 1777-1884|Madras Ecclesiastical Returns - Omissions and Corrections 1777-1884]] are '''not''' included.<ref>Email to User:Maureene dated 20 July 2011 indicates two brothers, Joseph Thorpe, 18, who died 23 Dec 1853 and was buried in the "Old Cemetery" at Guntoor, Hyderabad Residency and George Benjamin Thorpe, 23, who died 29 Jun 1858 at Jaulnah , who appear in the Omissions Film for Madras Burial (“film B265”) are '''not''' included in the Family Search data.</ref> Also '''not''' included are the N/11 [[Registrar marriages|Registrar Marriages]] series.  Please note that on an individual basis the LDS record does not show all the details available on the original. Also not every India Office church record is recorded in the LDS database. Some individual entries are known to have been '''omitted''', probably due to error.<ref>India List Murphy, Sylvia. [httphttps://archiverweb.rootswebarchive.ancestry.comorg/web/20200930001854/thhttps:/read/INDIAmlarchives.rootsweb.com/2010-04listindexes/1272583754 post dated emails?listname=&thread=1663076 India bdm on FamilySearch] ''Rootsweb India Mailing List'' 30 April 2010], archived.</ref> In addition, '''although in the past for privacy reasons there appear to be were no records shown for dates of birth after January-March 1910, or marriages after January-March 1935''', (these dates are those applying in April 2010 when the database was introduced and had remained unchanged; Findmypast will generally have later information, which may be full, or limited), at 2020/03/06 it was noticed that records were appearing without restriction, and were available for dates up to c 1948. (For alternative records, refer below). Death records are available to 1948. Some of the records contain the description Race: White. This should be disregarded as it is a fabrication as the original IOR church records do not contain a classification for race at all. (The few records that do have a classifation for race use the terminology European not white).

Note that the FamilySearch transcribed databases are also available on the pay site Ancestry, (world wide subscription) under the titles "India, Select Marriages 1792-1948"; "India, Select Marriages, 1792-1948"; "India, Select Deaths and Burials, 1719-1948". These records are transcriptions without images.The privacy restrictions appear to be the same as the FamilySearch restrictions.

To find out details As mentioned above, the set of microfilms records which may be ordered from [apparently] comprises the FamilySearch, use the '''transcribed India databases (being India Office [[https://familysearch.org/catalog-search FamilySearch Library catalogueChurch records|church records]''' <br> [http://www.londonfhc.org/ London Family History Centre] has a film catalogue for at the British Library) are now also available on [http://www.londonfhc.org/content/catalogue?p=Indian+Subcontinent Indian Subcontinent[Findmypast] and for [http://www.londonfhc.org/content/catalogue?c=221&p=Indian+Subcontinent,India India] in a different format to the main catalogue, classified by geographical regionas searchable records with images.

To find out details of digitised microfilms, use the '''[https://familysearch.org/catalog-search FamilySearch catalogue]''', or reach the same link from the FS Home Page/Search/Catalog. Additionally there is now a Catalogue link on each Location page (introduced 2018/03). Those digitised records which are viewable online in some way contain a camera icon. Some digitised microfilms of Church registers in India are available to view on your home computer. However, if the microfilmed record originated at the British Library, the digitised microfilm must be viewed at a [[FamilySearch Centres|FamilySearch Centre]], or possibly at a Family Search Affiliate Library - check the details in the Catalogue entry for the microfilm number, but make sure you are previously signed in, as different information can be displayed depending on your sign in status. There is an alternative way of locating some (but not all) digitised microfilms, through FS Home Page/Search/Images. [https://www.familysearch.org/records/images/ Explore Historical Images] enables a Search by Place, or the Advanced Search includes more options including DGS number, (described below) but '''not''' by a person's name. The records available are those that may be viewed on home computers without any restriction, so excludes any records originating from the British Library. You can view all online data at '''[[Family History Centres|FamilySearch Centres]] (previously also known as Family History Centres) (FHC) if '''. Check whether you do not otherwise have online access. You may need to can book a computer at the FHC. A personal "Sign In", as above, is required at a FHC.

'''If you have found a transcribed record from the India Births, Marriages or Burials on FamilySearch, as stated previously please be aware that this is not a full record. It is recommended that you view the original entry from the microfilm quoted.''' This will almost always contain occupational information which may provide a valuable clue for the location of further records. In addition, you can check that there have been no transcription errors. Information about ordering microfilms/digitised microfilms may be found in the Fibiwiki article [[FamilySearch Centres]]. In addition there is a new (c 2021 May) FamilySearch service, about which conflicting information has been seen, but '''possibly''' may be relevant to obtaining a copy of India related records, being the [https://www.familysearch.org/family-history-library/family-history-library-records-look-up-service Family History Centres]Library Record Look up Service]- note however the online form requires an image number which generally is not available from the FamilySearch record, but there is conflicting advice about whether the image number is essential. Note also that there is an alternative way to obtain a copy of a record, as '''most of the record images are now available on the pay website [[Findmypast|findmypast]]'''. If the image is available on findmypastFindmypast, this will may be the most convenient method for most many people. If the image is not available on Findmypast, and the Family History Library Look up service is not applicable, and a FamilySearch Centre, or if applicable a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, is not geographically convenient, there is the option to request a copy from the [[British Library]] (fee applies), (which may be the cheapest option for some people, noting that at times the India Births, Marriages or Burials images have not been available at FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries).

See '''Note: Microfilm ordering ceased September 2017. Most digitised microfilms of records from the British Library are currently available for viewing on a FamilySearch computer at a FamilySearch Centre, or possibly at a FamilySearch Affiliate Library. Some microfilms of Church registers filmed in India are available to be viewed on your home computer. Access the microfilms though the FamilySearch catalogue (ensure you are signed it to FS, or results could vary), and click on the camera icon for those records which have been digitised. Note however, at 2019/03, there may be problems with the access of both catalogue information, and the databases, see [[FamilySearch Centres]] for more details. Please take this into account when reading the Fibiwiki pages below .''' When a microfilm has been digitised it is also, in addition to the microfilm number, allocated a DGS number, referred to as a Digital Folder number. The latter number appears to becoming the main reference number for more detailsa record set. (The URL for a record set has the format (at 2021/12) <nowiki>https://www.familysearch.org/search/film/007251509</nowiki> where the last number is the DGS number, from [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/4092149 catalogue entry]. The format including an image number (example image 45) is <nowiki>https://www.familysearch.org/search/film/007251509?i=44</nowiki>, where the last number is one less than the actual image number).

:Note comment above there may be problems with the access of both catalogue information, and the databases.:Instructions on how to use the microfilmed copies of the Ecclesiatical Returns and their indexes at an LDS [[Family History Centres| Family History Centre]]. Read these instructions if you are searching for '''records of births after 1910, or marriages after 1935''' which are not shown in the online indexed records on FamilySearch because of privacy reasons. Note however the records sent to England '''declined in number from the early 1930s''' with relatively minimal numbers in the 1940s.

==Unfilmed church recordsExternal links==Should *[https://media.familysearch.org/familysearch-free-sign-in-offers-greater-subscriber-experiences-and-benefits/ FamilySearch Free Sign-in Offers Greater Subscriber Experiences and Benefits] FamilySearch. Beginning December 13, 2017 a sign in will be required to Search historical records. Contains details about registering with FamilySearch.** A researcher, in the Family Search Feedback Forum topic [https://web.archive.org/web/20200802171133/https://getsatisfaction.com/familysearch/topics/just-keep-it-simple-for-basic-research-purpose-please Just Keep it Simple for basic research purpose Please!] wrongly thought it was necessary to submit family tree details, as part of the sign in process, but this is not required. getsatisfaction.com, now archived.*FamilySearch Wiki page [https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/FamilySearch_Genealogy_Research_Groups FamilySearch Genealogy Research Groups]. Includes FamilySearch Community Groups and associated closed Facebooks groups. To register with the FamilySearch Community Groups, you wish need to suggest be signed in to both FamilySearch (initial registration required) and a church that they allow separate section of FamilySearch, FamilySearch Community (separate initial registration required, which requires agreement to certain conditions). Details of FamilySearch Community however do not appear to digitise their recordsbe available until after you have registered, however see the following [https://www.familysearch.org/ask/learningViewer/2106 video] provided by FamilySearch. Note, (at 6 July 2020) if you access the Community Groups through the FamilySearch Wiki page you can read posts without registration,however if you should advise access through the drop down menu at the right hand top of the church to use FS webpage, you cannot.*[https://www.familysearch.org/archivesblog/en/contactonline-genealogy-consultations/ Contact Us"New: Online Genealogy Consultations with Family History Library Experts"] applicable for Records Custodians and Archives30 June 2020. "FamilySearch field representatives can help Blog. Currently there is no specific category for India, but you determine could enquire whether the best approach category British Isles includes the British overseas.*[https://www.familysearch.org/en/family-history-library/donations-page#literary-donations Literary Donations to gatherFamilySearch] familysearch.org:Some large FamilySearch Centres have scanners, preservewhere you can take material to be scanned.*[https://www.familysearch.org/blog/en/office-cgo-cheif-genealogy-officer/ The Office of the CGO (Chief Genealogy Officer) [FamilySearch<nowiki>]</nowiki>] by Dennis Brimhall May 20, and share your valuable 2013. FamilySearch.*[https://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/Documents/Diane-Loosle-TheArtofSearching-FamilySearch-notes.pdf "The Art of Searching on FamilySearch: Finding Elusive Records on FamilySearch"] 2018 aucklandlibraries.govt.nz. :[https://www.familysearch.org/blog/en/finding-elusive-records and data/ "Finding Elusive Records on FamilySearch"] February 27, 2018 FamilySearch blog* FamilySearch Learning Center/Help aids.(An earlier contact reference was **[https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Live_Research_AssistanceClasses_in_the_Learning_Center Classes in the Learning Center] FamilySearch Wiki. The results may be re-ordered alphabetically, or numerically by ID number.**[https:_Ready_Reference#Film_Digitization_Requests Film Digitisation Requests//www.familysearch.org/family-history-library/learning Family History Library/Learning]**[https: FamilySearch //www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/tag/webinars-and-classes Help Center page tag Webinars and Classes] which at 2021/09/16 had some videos not listed on the previous WikiPage.** [https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/ Past Sessions of RootsTech for 2022 and 2021] but it would be best (at time of posting 2022 April). FamilySearch website. Prior years are no longer available, due to check first with FamilySearch Help (top right hand corner the belief the sessions were out of date on the website) that technology being taught. Rootstech is the contact details are current)FamilySearch annual conference.