Are you searching for the finest libraries in India? Do you require materials to assist you in diving headfirst into your research studies? Do you like to read a book in a peaceful setting, or do you wish to get away from the stress by immersing yourself in Indian literature?
Libraries in India have inspired individuals worldwide – from north to south and east to west. Of course, kindles and iPads will come and go, but the experience of reading a book while sitting in a vast library will last forever. In addition, as an author, libraries are the most calming and attractive locations to relax and write your heart out with hundreds of best-acclaimed books.
Here is a list of five renowned libraries in India that will not only captivate you with their gorgeous buildings but will also stimulate your intellectual integrity and inspire you to read as much as possible:
- Delhi Public Library, New Delhi
The Delhi Public Library is one of the largest book libraries in India. Over 1.5 million books are maintained here, making it one of the most remarkable collections in the country. This library is particularly well-known for its extensive collection of early Indian literature and law. If all of this variety isn’t enough, you may also read novels in various languages, including Hindi, Urdu, and Sanskrit. There is also a Braille library. If you wish to master an Indian language, you should study these books in their traditional form.
- State Central Library, Hyderabad
The State Central Library in Hyderabad was established by Nawab Imad-ul-Mulk in 1891, making it one of the largest libraries in South India. Visit this historical site if you’re looking for information about manuscripts from the fifth and sixth centuries, as well as news and magazines from the 1940s and beyond. This is one of India’s rare libraries that contains manuscripts in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu.
- Parliament Library of India, New Delhi
The Parliament Library in Delhi is the place to go for information about Indian politics and national issues. Gazettes and Debates, Acts and Bills sections contain almost everything from central government and state government acts, ordinances and rules, joint select committee reports, and debates from the Lok Sabha, Raj Sabha, and state legislatures acts and parliamentary records from selected foreign countries.
It also contains many books and magazines in Indian regional languages, covering all India’s official languages. It is worth a visit solely for the structure, which famed Indian architect Raj Rewal designed.
- Sarasvathi Mahal Library, Tamil Nadu
The Sarasvati Mahal Library in Tanjore, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most magnificent libraries in India. Being Asia’s oldest, this library contains a remarkable collection of manuscripts written on palm leaves in numerous languages. It also holds an ancient parchment paper collection inscribed in Indian languages such as Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Marathi, and others.
Access to select rare collections in this library can be arranged with prior notice. Moreover, the library’s history is so rich that it is believed that the Nayak Kings of Thanjavur utilized it as a Royal Library for their use between 1535 and 1675 AD.
- Raza Library, Uttar Pradesh
The Raza Library is a government-protected property located inside the Rampur palace. It is now one of Asia’s most extensive libraries, and it was founded by Nawab Faizullah Khan, the ruler of Rampur, from 1774 until 1994. This library’s collection includes unique pieces of Islamic calligraphy, important historical papers, and over 35,000 volumes. It also has 18,000 unique manuscripts, 6,000 miniature paintings, and 200 hand-written palm-leaf manuscripts.
