Jewels of Knowledge: Discover India's Top 10 Libraries

Explore India’s cultural treasures through its top libraries: National Library of India in Kolkata, Connemara Public Library in Chennai, Delhi Public Library in Delhi, Raza Library in Rampur, Saraswathi Mahal Library in Thanjavur, Anna Centenary Library in Chennai, State Central Library in Hyderabad, Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Library in Mumbai, Allahabad Public Library in Allahabad, and Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library in Patna. Discover rare manuscripts, historical documents, and extensive collections spanning centuries of knowledge and culture.

Top 10 libraries in India

National Library of India

The National Library of India in Kolkata is one of the largest libraries in India, established in 1836. It serves as the apex body for all other public libraries in the country and houses a vast collection of over 2.2 million books, rare manuscripts, and historical documents. The library is renowned for its rich collection of books on Indology and extensive archives.

Location	Year Established	Special Features and Collections
Kolkata	1836	Extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and historical documents.

Connemara Public Library

The Connemara Public Library in Chennai, established in 1896, is one of the four National Depository Libraries in India. It is known for its collection of rare books, including ancient manuscripts, prints, and maps. The library also houses the Connemara Public Library Museum, displaying artifacts and historical objects.

Location	Year Established	Special Features and Collections
Chennai	1896	Rare collection of books, including ancient manuscripts and prints.

Delhi Public Library

Delhi Public Library, established in 1951, is a network of public libraries across Delhi. It aims to provide educational and recreational resources to the public. The library system includes a central library and multiple branch libraries, offering a diverse collection of books, periodicals, and digital resources.

Location	Year Established	Special Features and Collections
Delhi	1951	Multiple branches across Delhi, extensive collection of books and periodicals.

Raza Library

The Raza Library in Rampur, established in 1904, is renowned for its collection of rare manuscripts, historical documents, miniature paintings, and illustrated manuscripts. It was founded by Nawab Faizullah Khan and named after his son, Raza Ali Khan. The library’s collection includes over 17,000 rare manuscripts in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu languages.

Location	Year Established	Special Features and Collections
Rampur	1904	Rare manuscripts, historical documents, miniature paintings.

Saraswathi Mahal Library

The Saraswathi Mahal Library in Thanjavur is one of the oldest libraries in Asia, dating back to the 1700s. It houses a collection of palm leaf manuscripts, rare books, and historical documents in languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and Sanskrit. The library’s collection includes over 49,000 palm leaf manuscripts and 8,000 bundles of paper manuscripts.

Location	Year Established	Special Features and Collections
Thanjavur	1700s	Collection of palm leaf manuscripts, rare books in various languages.

Anna Centenary Library

The Anna Centenary Library in Chennai, inaugurated in 2010, commemorates the birth centenary of former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C.N. Annadurai. It is one of the largest libraries in Asia, housing over 1.2 million books, including a wide range of academic and literary works, along with digital resources and multimedia facilities.

Location	Year Established	Special Features and Collections
Chennai	2010	One of Asia’s largest libraries, extensive collection of books and digital resources.

State Central Library

The State Central Library in Hyderabad, established in 1891, is a historic library known for its collection of rare manuscripts, books in various languages, and historical documents related to the culture and history of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It serves as a hub for research and academic pursuits.

Location	Year Established	Special Features and Collections
Hyderabad	1891	Historic library, rare manuscripts, books in various languages.

Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Library

The library at the Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales Museum) in Mumbai specializes in books related to art, history, and archaeology. It supports the museum’s extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits, providing scholarly resources for researchers and enthusiasts interested in Indian art and culture.

Location	Year Established	Special Features and Collections
Mumbai	–	Collection related to art, history, and archaeology.

Allahabad Public Library

Allahabad Public Library, established in 1864, is one of the oldest public libraries in India. It holds a significant collection of rare books, manuscripts, and periodicals, making it a valuable resource for researchers and scholars interested in the history and culture of Allahabad and its surrounding regions.

Location	Year Established	Special Features and Collections
Allahabad	1864	Oldest public library in Allahabad, collection of rare books and manuscripts.

Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library

The Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library in Patna, established in 1891, is renowned for its extensive collection of Arabic and Persian manuscripts, rare books, and publications in various languages. Founded by Khan Bahadur Khuda Bakhsh, it serves as a significant center for Oriental studies and research in Bihar and beyond.

Location	Year Established	Special Features and Collections
Patna	1891	Extensive collection of Arabic and Persian manuscripts, rare books.

CONCLUSION : India’s top libraries stand as custodians of its rich cultural heritage, offering a treasure trove of knowledge through rare manuscripts, historical documents, and diverse collections. From the iconic National Library in Kolkata to the ancient Saraswathi Mahal Library in Thanjavur, these institutions not only preserve history but also inspire generations with their vast repositories of wisdom.