Top 10 Best Libraries in India : Discovering India’s Literary Heritage

Top 10 Best Libraries in India

Top 10 Best Libraries in India : India has a rich literary heritage that spans centuries, and libraries have played a significant role in preserving and promoting this knowledge. From ancient manuscripts to modern books, India is home to some of the most iconic libraries in the world. In this post, we will explore the top 10 best libraries in India that are worth visiting to delve into the country’s literary past.

1.National Library of India, Kolkata

The National Library of India is the largest library in the country, with a collection of over 2.2 million books, 86,000 maps, and 3,200 manuscripts. Located in Kolkata, it was established in 1836 and has since then played a significant role in preserving India’s literary heritage. The library’s collection includes rare books, maps, and manuscripts, including the first book printed in India, the “Bengali Grammar” by Nathaniel Brassey Halhed.

2.Asiatic Society Library, Mumbai

The Asiatic Society Library in Mumbai was founded in 1804, making it one of the oldest libraries in India. It has a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and maps, including some rare works like a copy of the first printed edition of the Bible in Gujarati. The library also houses a collection of coins, seals, and inscriptions.

3.Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata

The Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation in Kolkata is a research center for social sciences and humanities. It has a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and documents related to social, political, and economic issues.

4.Connemara Public Library, Chennai

The Connemara Public Library in Chennai is one of the four National Depository Libraries in India, and it is also the oldest library in the city. It has over 600,000 books, including rare works like a copy of the first Tamil book printed in 1578, and a copy of the Holy Quran written on deer skin.

5.Maulana Azad Library, Aligarh

The Maulana Azad Library in Aligarh is the largest university library in Asia and has a collection of over 1.8 million books, including rare works like a 17th-century manuscript of the Holy Quran. The library also houses a museum of rare books and manuscripts.

6.Saraswathi Mahal Library, Thanjavur

The Saraswathi Mahal Library in Thanjavur was established in the 16th century and has a collection of over 60,000 manuscripts in various Indian and foreign languages. The library also houses a collection of rare paintings, maps, and coins.

7.Delhi Public Library, Delhi

The Delhi Public Library is one of the largest public libraries in India and has a collection of over 3,00,000 books, journals, and newspapers. It has various sections dedicated to different subjects, including science, history, and literature.

8.Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, Delhi

The Nehru Memorial Museum and Library is located in Teen Murti Bhavan in Delhi, which was the official residence of the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. The library has a collection of over 1,50,000 books and manuscripts, including some rare works from the personal collection of Nehru.

9.Raza Library, Rampur

The Raza Library in Rampur was established in 1774 and has a collection of over 2,00,000 books, manuscripts, and paintings. It houses rare works like a copy of the Quran handwritten by Emperor Aurangzeb and the original manuscript of Abul Fazl’s.

10.Anna Centenary Library, Chennai

The Anna Centenary Library is the largest library in Tamil Nadu, with a collection of over 1.2 million books. It is a modern facility with state-of-the-art infrastructure and offers a range of services to students, researchers, and scholars.

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