India boasts a rich cultural heritage and a long-standing tradition of scholarship and learning. This legacy is reflected in its numerous libraries, which serve as treasure troves of knowledge and information. These institutions are not only repositories of books and manuscripts but also centers of research, education, and cultural preservation. Here, we introduce ten of the most significant libraries in India, each with its unique history, collection, and contribution to the intellectual landscape of the country.
Table of Contents
National Library of India, Kolkata
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1836 |
| Location | Kolkata, West Bengal |
| Collection Size | Over 2.2 million books and manuscripts |
| Special Features | Largest library in India by volume |
- The largest library in India by volume.
- Houses over 2.2 million books and manuscripts.
- Established in 1836.
The National Library of India, located in Kolkata, West Bengal, is the largest library in the country by volume. Established in 1836, it boasts a collection of over 2.2 million books and manuscripts. The library serves as a repository of knowledge, housing an extensive range of collections that include rare books, manuscripts, journals, and government publications. It plays a crucial role in supporting academic research and provides access to a wealth of information across various subjects. The library is open to the public and offers facilities for researchers and scholars to delve into its rich resources.
Delhi Public Library, New Delhi
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1951 |
| Location | New Delhi |
| Collection Size | Extensive resources for research and general reading |
| Special Features | Assisted by UNESCO, one of the largest public libraries |
- One of the largest public libraries in India.
- Established in 1951 with the help of UNESCO.
- Provides extensive resources for research and general reading.
The Delhi Public Library, established in 1951 with the assistance of UNESCO, is one of the largest public libraries in India. Located in New Delhi, it provides extensive resources for research, education, and general reading. The library’s collection includes books, periodicals, newspapers, and digital resources. It aims to promote reading habits among the public and supports lifelong learning. The library offers various services, including book lending, reference services, and access to digital content. It is an important cultural institution that serves the information needs of the residents of New Delhi and beyond.
Raza Library, Rampur
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | Late 18th century |
| Location | Rampur, Uttar Pradesh |
| Collection Size | Over 17,000 rare manuscripts and 200,000 printed books |
| Special Features | Renowned for its Indo-Islamic manuscripts |
- Known for its collection of Indo-Islamic manuscripts.
- Established in the late 18th century.
- Houses over 17,000 rare manuscripts and 200,000 printed books.
The Raza Library, situated in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, is renowned for its collection of Indo-Islamic manuscripts. Established in the late 18th century, the library houses over 17,000 rare manuscripts and 200,000 printed books. It is a treasure trove of knowledge, particularly in the fields of Persian, Arabic, and Urdu literature. The library also contains miniature paintings, calligraphy, and rare printed works. It is a significant center for research in Oriental studies and attracts scholars from around the world. The Raza Library is open to the public, offering access to its rich and diverse collections.
Asiatic Society Library, Mumbai
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1804 |
| Location | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Collection Size | Large collection of rare manuscripts and books |
| Special Features | One of the oldest libraries in India |
- One of the oldest libraries in India, established in 1804.
- Renowned for its collection of rare manuscripts and books.
- Offers significant resources for historical research.
The Asiatic Society Library in Mumbai, Maharashtra, is one of the oldest libraries in India, established in 1804. It is renowned for its extensive collection of rare manuscripts, books, maps, and artifacts. The library holds over 100,000 books, including valuable collections of ancient and medieval texts. It serves as a vital resource for historical and cultural research. The library’s collection includes works in various languages, reflecting India’s rich cultural heritage. The Asiatic Society Library is open to scholars and the general public, providing access to its vast repository of knowledge.
State Central Library, Hyderabad
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1891 |
| Location | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Collection Size | Over 500,000 books and manuscripts |
| Special Features | Also known as Asafia Library |
- Also known as the Asafia Library, established in 1891.
- Contains over 500,000 books and manuscripts.
- A major center for research and education in the region.
Also known as the Asafia Library, the State Central Library in Hyderabad, Telangana, was established in 1891. It contains over 500,000 books and manuscripts, making it one of the largest libraries in the region. The library’s collection includes rare books, periodicals, and manuscripts in various languages. It serves as a major center for research and education, supporting the academic and informational needs of students, scholars, and the general public. The State Central Library offers various services, including lending, reference, and digital access, contributing significantly to the intellectual life of Hyderabad.
Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, Patna
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1891 |
| Location | Patna, Bihar |
| Collection Size | Over 21,000 manuscripts and 250,000 printed books |
| Special Features | Specializes in Oriental studies |
- Established in 1891, specializing in Oriental studies.
- Houses over 21,000 manuscripts and 250,000 printed books.
- Known for its rare and valuable collections.
The Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library in Patna, Bihar, was established in 1891 and specializes in Oriental studies. The library houses over 21,000 manuscripts and 250,000 printed books, including rare and valuable collections in Persian, Arabic, Urdu, and other languages. It is known for its rich repository of historical documents, miniature paintings, and illustrated manuscripts. The library plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the study of Oriental culture and literature. It is open to the public and provides facilities for researchers to access its unique collections.
Anna Centenary Library, Chennai
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 2010 |
| Location | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Collection Size | Over 1.2 million books |
| Special Features | Modern facilities, major hub for students and researchers |
- One of the largest libraries in South India, inaugurated in 2010.
- Features over 1.2 million books and modern facilities.
- Serves as a major hub for students and researchers.
The Anna Centenary Library, located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is one of the largest and most modern libraries in South India. Inaugurated in 2010, the library features over 1.2 million books, offering extensive resources for students, researchers, and the general public. The library is equipped with modern facilities, including digital access, multimedia resources, and specialized sections for children, differently-abled individuals, and senior citizens. It serves as a major hub for academic and intellectual activities, promoting reading and lifelong learning in the community.
Saraswathi Mahal Library, Thanjavur
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 16th century |
| Location | Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu |
| Collection Size | Ancient manuscripts and palm leaf manuscripts |
| Special Features | One of the oldest libraries in Asia |
- One of the oldest libraries in Asia, dating back to the 16th century.
- Contains ancient manuscripts, palm leaf manuscripts, and rare books.
- Known for its collection of ancient Indian literature and manuscripts
The Saraswathi Mahal Library in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest libraries in Asia, dating back to the 16th century. It contains a vast collection of ancient manuscripts, palm leaf manuscripts, and rare books. The library is renowned for its collection of ancient Indian literature, including works in Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi. It also houses scientific and medical manuscripts. The Saraswathi Mahal Library is a significant center for historical research and cultural studies, attracting scholars from around the world. It is open to the public, offering access to its invaluable collections.
Connemara Public Library, Chennai
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1896 |
| Location | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Collection Size | Vast collection of books, periodicals, government publications |
| Special Features | Repository library receiving copies of all books published in India |
- Established in 1896 as part of the Madras Museum.
- Holds a vast collection of books, periodicals, and government publications.
- A repository library receiving copies of all books published in India.
Established in 1896, the Connemara Public Library in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is part of the Madras Museum. It holds a vast collection of books, periodicals, and government publications. As a repository library, it receives copies of all books published in India. The library’s collection includes rare and valuable works, supporting a wide range of academic and research activities. It serves the informational needs of the public, providing access to a wealth of knowledge. The Connemara Public Library offers various services, including lending, reference, and digital access, playing a crucial role in the educational and cultural life of Chennai.
David Sassoon Library and Reading Room, Mumbai
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1847 |
| Location | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Collection Size | Extensive collection of books |
| Special Features | Named after founder David Sassoon, known for its architectural beauty |
- Established in 1847 and named after its founder, David Sassoon.
- Known for its architectural beauty and extensive collection of books.
- Provides a peaceful environment for readers and researchers.
The David Sassoon Library and Reading Room in Mumbai, Maharashtra, was established in 1847 and named after its founder, David Sassoon. The library is known for its architectural beauty and extensive collection of books. It provides a peaceful environment for reading and research, serving as a cultural landmark in Mumbai. The library offers a wide range of resources, including books, periodicals, and newspapers, supporting the informational needs of the public. It is open to members and visitors, promoting reading and intellectual engagement in the community.
FAQS about Top 10 libraries in India
National Library of India, Kolkata
Q: When was the National Library of India established?
A: The library was established in 1836.
Q: Where is the National Library of India located?
A: It is located in Kolkata, West Bengal.
Q: How large is the collection at the National Library of India?
A: The library houses over 2.2 million books and manuscripts.
Q: What is the significance of the National Library of India?
A: It is the largest library in India by volume.
Q: Can the public access the collections at the National Library?
A: Yes, the library is open to the public for research and reference purposes.
Delhi Public Library, New Delhi
Q: When was the Delhi Public Library established?
A: It was established in 1951.
Q: What organization assisted in the establishment of the Delhi Public Library?
A: UNESCO assisted in its establishment.
Q: Where is the Delhi Public Library located?
A: It is located in New Delhi.
Q: What types of resources are available at the Delhi Public Library?
A: The library offers extensive resources for research and general reading.
Q: Is the Delhi Public Library one of the largest public libraries in India?
A: Yes, it is one of the largest public libraries in the country.
Raza Library, Rampur
Q: When was the Raza Library established?
A: It was established in the late 18th century.
Q: Where is the Raza Library located?
A: It is located in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh.
Q: What is the size of the collection at the Raza Library?
A: The library houses over 17,000 rare manuscripts and 200,000 printed books.
Q: What is the Raza Library renowned for?
A: It is renowned for its Indo-Islamic manuscripts.
Q: Can the public visit the Raza Library?
A: Yes, it is open to the public.
Asiatic Society Library, Mumbai
Q: When was the Asiatic Society Library established?
A: It was established in 1804.
Q: Where is the Asiatic Society Library located?
A: It is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Q: What types of collections does the Asiatic Society Library have?
A: It has a large collection of rare manuscripts and books.
Q: Is the Asiatic Society Library one of the oldest in India?
A: Yes, it is one of the oldest libraries in India.
Q: Can researchers access the Asiatic Society Library’s collections?
A: Yes, the library is accessible to researchers.
State Central Library, Hyderabad
Q: When was the State Central Library established?
A: It was established in 1891.
Q: What is another name for the State Central Library?
A: It is also known as the Asafia Library.
Q: Where is the State Central Library located?
A: It is located in Hyderabad, Telangana.
Q: How many books and manuscripts does the State Central Library have?
A: The library contains over 500,000 books and manuscripts.
Q: Is the State Central Library a major center for research?
A: Yes, it is a major center for research and education in the region.
Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, Patna
Q: When was the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library established?
A: It was established in 1891.
Q: Where is the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library located?
A: It is located in Patna, Bihar.
Q: How large is the collection at Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library?
A: The library houses over 21,000 manuscripts and 250,000 printed books.
Q: What is the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library known for?
A: It specializes in Oriental studies.
Q: Can the public access the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library?
A: Yes, it is open to the public.
Anna Centenary Library, Chennai
Q: When was the Anna Centenary Library established?
A: It was established in 2010.
Q: Where is the Anna Centenary Library located?
A: It is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Q: How many books does the Anna Centenary Library have?
A: The library has over 1.2 million books.
Q: What facilities does the Anna Centenary Library offer?
A: It offers modern facilities for students and researchers.
Q: Is the Anna Centenary Library a major hub for students?
A: Yes, it serves as a major hub for students and researchers.
Saraswathi Mahal Library, Thanjavur
Q: When was the Saraswathi Mahal Library established?
A: It dates back to the 16th century.
Q: Where is the Saraswathi Mahal Library located?
A: It is located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
Q: What types of collections does the Saraswathi Mahal Library have?
A: It contains ancient manuscripts, palm leaf manuscripts, and rare books.
Q: Is the Saraswathi Mahal Library one of the oldest in Asia?
A: Yes, it is one of the oldest libraries in Asia.
Q: Can the public visit the Saraswathi Mahal Library?
A: Yes, it is open to the public.
Connemara Public Library, Chennai
Q: When was the Connemara Public Library established?
A: It was established in 1896.
Q: Where is the Connemara Public Library located?
A: It is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Q: What types of collections does the Connemara Public Library have?
A: It has a vast collection of books, periodicals, and government publications.
Q: Is the Connemara Public Library a repository library?
A: Yes, it receives copies of all books published in India.
Q: Can the public access the Connemara Public Library?
A: Yes, it is open to the public.
David Sassoon Library and Reading Room, Mumbai
Q: When was the David Sassoon Library established?
A: It was established in 1847.
Q: Where is the David Sassoon Library located?
A: It is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Q: What is the size of the collection at the David Sassoon Library?
A: The library has an extensive collection of books.
Q: Who was the David Sassoon Library named after?
A: It was named after its founder, David Sassoon.
Q: Is the David Sassoon Library known for its architecture?
A: Yes, it is known for its architectural beauty.
Q: Can the public use the David Sassoon Library?
A: Yes, it is open to the public.
