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Raza Library

The Rampur Raza Library is a renowned institution and repository of Indo-Islamic cultural heritage located in , , housing one of the world's most significant collections of rare manuscripts, miniature paintings, and historical artifacts. Founded in 1774 by Faizullah Khan, the first of , it originated as his private collection and was expanded by successive Nawabs who were patrons of arts, learning, and scholarship, including poets, painters, and astronomers. Housed in the historic Hamid Manzil palace since the early 20th century, the library was taken over by the in 1975 through an , which declared it an institution of national importance, and it operates as an autonomous body under the , ensuring its preservation and public access. Its collections include approximately 17,000 rare manuscripts in languages such as , , , , and Turkish—among them 150 illustrated volumes with over 4,400 miniatures and 205 palm-leaf manuscripts—alongside 5,000 miniature paintings from schools like , , Deccani, and , 3,000 specimens of , astronomical instruments, and around 83,000 printed books (as of 2023). The library's significance lies in its role as a bridge between medieval Islamic scholarship and modern research, featuring priceless items such as a 7th-century on attributed to early script and works on astronomy, , and that reflect the syncretic cultural exchanges of the era. It continues to acquire materials through purchases, exchanges, and gifts while offering facilities for scholars, efforts, and exhibitions to promote Indo-Islamic arts and . Named after the last , (r. 1930–1966), it began celebrations for its 250th anniversary in 2023, continuing through 2024, underscoring its enduring legacy as a "treasure-house of ."

History

Founding and Early Development

The Raza Library in Rampur, , traces its origins to 7 October 1774, when (r. 1774–1794), the first of , established it as a personal collection housed in the (treasury) of his palace. This founding coincided with the creation of following the and the Lal Dang Treaty, marking the library's role as an early cultural institution tied to the nawabi legacy. The initial collection emphasized Indo-Islamic learning materials, comprising ancient manuscripts and specimens of acquired during Faizullah Khan's reign. Foundational texts in and formed the core, reflecting the nawab's scholarly interests and connections to intellectual centers in regions like and . These holdings focused on religious, literary, and historical works central to Indo-Islamic traditions, setting the stage for the library's enduring emphasis on such heritage. Early growth was closely linked to the formation and stabilization of , with providing patronage to scholars, ulema, poets, and scribes who contributed to expanding the collection through copying and acquisition. This support fostered an environment of cultural exchange, drawing on the nawab's resources to build a repository that evolved under subsequent rulers into a more formalized institution.

Expansion Under the Nawabs

During the reign of Nawab Kalb Ali Khan (r. 1865–1887), the Raza Library experienced significant expansion as he, a proficient in and Persian, actively patronized learning and collected rare materials from across . He appointed agents to acquire scattered books and manuscripts, substantially increasing the library's holdings to nearly 9,000 volumes by emphasizing Indo-Islamic texts alongside works in other languages. Notably, his efforts included the acquisition of and works, broadening the collection beyond traditional Islamic scholarship. Nawab Hamid Ali Khan (r. 1889–1930), known for his wide travels and education, further advanced the library by commissioning new manuscripts and integrating astronomical instruments into its collections, enhancing its utility as a scholarly resource. He constructed the , which later housed the library, and began opening its doors to select scholars, marking a shift toward greater accessibility while maintaining its royal character. These developments solidified the library's status during his tenure, with additions that reflected Rampur's patronage of arts and sciences. Key acquisitions during this period included early translations of the Qur'an, such as the original version, and a seventh-century Qur'an in script attributed to Hazrat , obtained as a gift during Nawab Kalb Khan's pilgrimage. The library also amassed miniature paintings from , , and Deccani schools, illustrating historical and cultural narratives, which were actively sought by the Nawabs to enrich the repository. Rampur State emerged as a prominent center for Indo-Islamic scholarship under these Nawabs, with the Raza Library functioning as the primary royal repository for manuscripts, artifacts, and knowledge until the state's merger into the in 1949. This era's patronage attracted scholars like Mirza Ghalib and preserved a diverse , underscoring the library's role in fostering intellectual exchange.

Architecture and Location

The Hamid Manzil Palace

The Hamid Manzil Palace, constructed in the early under the patronage of Hamid Ali Khan (r. 1889–1930), served as a royal residence within the palace complex. Completed around 1905, the palace was designed as an opulent mansion to reflect the Nawab's vision of grandeur during his reign. Architecturally, Hamid Manzil exemplifies a blend of Indo-Islamic and influences, often described as Indo-European style, featuring high domes, turreted structures, and eight distinctive minarets that enhance its majestic silhouette. The building's exterior incorporates decorative elements crafted from plaster of , contributing to its palatial aesthetic, while the overall design draws from traditions fused with Victorian and Neo-Gothic motifs. Following the merger of with in 1949, the palace was repurposed, and the Raza Library's collection was relocated to Hamid Manzil in 1957, transforming it into the library's permanent home. Situated in , at approximately 28.8123°N 79.0234°E, the palace remains integrated within the historic fort complex, preserving its role as a key cultural landmark.

Layout and Facilities

The Raza Library's internal layout is structured across its historic Hamid Manzil and Rang Mahal buildings, optimizing space for administration, public use, and collection management. The primarily accommodates administrative offices, including the ’s office, and dedicated reading rooms furnished with wooden racks, tables, chairs, and steel card cabinets to support access to newspapers, periodicals, and magazines. Additional facilities on this level include a cloak room for visitors and newly constructed lavatories under the , enhancing comfort and hygiene for general readers, who numbered over 93,000 in 2016-17. Upper floors are allocated for storage, , and supplementary administrative functions, with spacious rooms in Hamid Manzil dedicated to housing the library's extensive collections. The Rang Mahal's upper levels feature meeting rooms, a ’s room, , rest room, and store room, all maintained through periodic renovations such as whitewashing and polishing. The prominent Darbar Hall, serving as a central gallery and , showcases manuscripts, paintings, calligraphic works, and art objects under antique chandeliers and gold-embellished ceilings, while also hosting temporary exhibitions on themes like and the Holy . Specialized areas support preservation and presentation needs, including conservation laboratories where technicians repair damaged rare manuscripts, palm-leaf texts, and old printed books—treating thousands of pages annually to prevent deterioration. Exhibition spaces within the Darbar Hall highlight paintings, astronomical instruments, and other artifacts, with events like the "Images of India" display drawing public engagement. Post-1975 developments, following the library's transition to government oversight, introduced modern amenities such as digitization labs that have captured over 2.6 million manuscript images for online accessibility and research, alongside a conference hall functioning as a public auditorium for symposiums, book releases, and cultural programs. To accommodate visitors in this heritage structure, accessibility features include pathways and decorative gardens in open areas for easier navigation, ample seating in reading rooms, and security measures like metal detectors at entrances. The library maintains daily operations except on holidays, prioritizing safe and inclusive access for scholars and the public.

Collections

Manuscripts and Rare Documents

The Raza Library houses an extensive collection of approximately 17,000 manuscripts, forming the core of its rare holdings and reflecting centuries of scholarly and artistic production across the Islamic and traditions. These manuscripts are primarily in , , , Turkish, , , and , encompassing religious texts, literary works, scientific treatises, and administrative records. The diversity of languages underscores the library's role as a bridge between Persianate, Indic, and Islamic intellectual worlds, with many items acquired during the Nawabi period to enrich the royal collection. Among the most prized items is a 7th-century Quran fragment written on parchment in early Kufic script, attributed to the fourth Caliph, Hazrat , representing one of the earliest surviving Quranic manuscripts in the world. Other notable religious manuscripts include an 8th-century by Jafar and a 9th-century example by Abul Hasan , alongside specimens of such as the by Yaqut al-Musta‘simi from the 13th century, adorned with gold and . The collection also features ancient copies of the , including a rare 18th-century Persian translation by Masih Panipati with 258 miniature paintings, illustrating episodes from the epic in a syncretic Indo-Persian style. Historical documents from the and Nawabi eras constitute a significant portion, including firmans (royal decrees) issued by emperors and local rulers, which provide insights into , land grants, and diplomatic relations. Astronomical treatises form another key category, with works on celestial observations, (astronomical tables), and related sciences cataloged in and , often accompanied by diagrams and calculations from medieval Islamic scholars. Miniature paintings and illustrated manuscripts are integral to the collection, with around 150 illuminated volumes containing over 4,000 illustrations, including 5,000 standalone miniatures depicting Mughal court life, historical events, and literary scenes. These artworks, executed in vibrant colors and fine detail, not only enhance the textual content but also exemplify the artistic patronage of the Rampur Nawabs.

Printed Books and Other Holdings

The Raza Library's collection of printed books comprises approximately 83,000 volumes as of 2023, dating from the onward and encompassing a diverse array of subjects such as , , , and . These books are housed in sections dedicated to languages including , , , , , , , , Turkish, and numerous regional Indian dialects, reflecting the library's role as a multilingual repository of Indo-Islamic and global knowledge. The collection's breadth spans more than 40 languages, with significant holdings in both Indian and foreign tongues, acquired through purchases, donations, and institutional exchanges over the decades. Since the mid-20th century, the library has served as an official depository for publications, receiving comprehensive sets of reports, resolutions, and documents that enrich its international affairs and development resources. This status has contributed to the steady expansion of its printed materials, including periodicals, journals, and maps. Beyond printed books, the library maintains notable non-book holdings that complement its scholarly focus. These include around 5,000 miniature paintings, primarily from and traditions, alongside specimens of such as rare works and decorative artifacts. The collection also features astronomical instruments, including astrolabes, celestial globes, and quadrants dating to the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as a selection of historical that provide insights into numismatic history across Islamic and Indian regions.

Management and Preservation

Governance and Administration

Following the integration of Rampur State into the Union of India in 1949, a managing trust was established on August 6, 1951, through a deed executed by the late Nawab Sir Syed Raza Ali Khan Bahadur to oversee the library's operations. This trust managed the institution until its transfer to central government control. The Rampur Raza Library Act, 1975 (Act No. 22 of 1975), declared the library an institution of national importance and vested its administration in the Rampur Raza Library Board, a corporate body with perpetual succession. The Act transferred all properties, assets, and liabilities from the 1951 trust to the Board, effective from July 1, 1975, thereby placing the library under the direct oversight of the Government of India. Today, the library operates as an autonomous institution under the , , which provides full funding through annual grants for maintenance, staff salaries, and activities. The Board, comprising 12 members including the Governor of as Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, representatives from the , the Accountant General of , a of the Nawab family, and nominated scholars and experts, governs policy and operations. The Director serves as the ex officio Member-Secretary, responsible for day-to-day administration, staff appointments, and implementation of Board decisions; the current Director is Dr. Pushkar Misra, appointed in 2024. Specialized committees under the Board handle administrative and financial affairs, academic publications, conservation, and acquisitions. The library maintains accountability through annual reports submitted to the , detailing activities, finances, and progress, with accounts audited by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India. The Board operates under five regulations formulated in accordance with the 1975 Act, covering maintenance, administration, staff conduct, finance, and miscellaneous provisions.

Conservation Efforts

The Rampur Raza Library has implemented dedicated initiatives to maintain and protect its extensive collections of manuscripts and rare documents from deterioration. In September 2003, the library established the Manuscript Conservation Centre (MCC) under the National Mission for Manuscripts, focusing on the restoration, lamination, binding, and scientific conservation of fragile items to prevent further damage. Complementing physical restoration, the library has pursued projects to create durable digital surrogates of vulnerable materials, reducing the need for direct handling. These efforts include microfilming select manuscripts for long-term preservation and the development of online catalogs, such as those for holdings from the 1990s, enabling global scholarly access while minimizing wear on originals. To enhance technical capabilities, the library has participated in collaborations, including exchanges with institutions like those in for academic benefits in preservation practices. Staff have received training through programs affiliated with the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), covering advanced techniques such as climate-controlled storage, , and document safeguarding to address environmental threats. In the wake of its 250th anniversary celebrations commencing in late , the library has intensified preservation activities, incorporating seminars, workshops on manuscriptology and , and ongoing funding for upgraded infrastructure to ensure the longevity of its .

Significance and Access

Cultural and Scholarly Importance

The Rampur Raza Library holds the status of an institution of national importance, as established by the Rampur Raza Library Act of 1975 enacted by the , underscoring its pivotal role in safeguarding the nation's cultural legacy. Founded in 1774 by Nawab Faizullah Khan, the library commemorated its 250th anniversary through a series of events spanning 2023 to 2024, celebrating two and a half centuries of continuous contribution to intellectual preservation. As a cornerstone of Indo-Islamic heritage, the library provides essential resources for scholarly research in , , and , enabling academics to explore the intersections of religious, linguistic, and artistic traditions across . Its holdings, amassed through the patronage of Rampur's Nawabs who supported ulema, poets, calligraphers, and painters, offer unique insights into historical narratives and cultural exchanges, fostering advanced studies in these fields. For example, rare items such as the 7th-century manuscript attributed to Hazrat illuminate early Islamic scribal practices and textual transmission. The library's influence extends to global , where its collections inform analyses of artifacts and broader Indo-Islamic artistic legacies, as seen in dedicated studies and exhibitions that reference its unparalleled holdings. It stands as one of India's premier repositories of multilingual manuscripts, encompassing works in , , , , , Turkish, and , which facilitate across diverse cultural and scholarly domains.

Visitor Access and Services

The Raza Library is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday through Thursday, and remains closed on Fridays and public holidays. Entry to the library is free for all visitors, though bags are not permitted inside and a check is required upon arrival. Guided tours are available for general visitors, scholars, and tourists to explore the collections and facilities. For researchers, the library provides dedicated facilities to consult its rare manuscripts and documents. Photocopying services are offered for permitted materials, alongside to support scholarly work. While interlibrary loans are not explicitly detailed in available records, the library emphasizes promoting study and research by extending all necessary facilities to scholars. Online resources are accessible via the official website at razalibrary.gov.in, where the library's catalog is available for public search. efforts have made around 10,000 manuscripts available virtually as of 2021, with access provided to scholars and students for a fee of ₹10 per page; the library continues these efforts as a partner in the Bharatam Mission, a national initiative launched in September 2025 to digitize and preserve India's manuscript heritage. The library hosts special programs, including exhibitions and workshops, to engage visitors and promote its collections. Notable recent initiatives include the manuscripts exhibition held until April 2024, showcasing rare texts and printed books in multiple languages. In 2025, events featured the "Women Rising: Voices of Strength and Change" exhibition in March and a major display on "Timeless Journey of Manuscripts" during the Bharatam International Conference in September, inaugurated by Prime Minister . These programs build on the library's 250th anniversary celebrations from 2023–2024, which included seminars, book festivals, and workshops on manuscriptology and .

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