Libraries are the most incredible invention of men. It is a single most beautiful tribute to knowledge and experience. There are a lot of libraries in India that stand as a part of most beautiful ones in the world. If you are visiting India, you ought to visit at least a few of these libraries.
Saraswathi Mahal Library
Saraswathi Mahal library is one of the oldest libraries in the continent. This library is located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. It has about 60,000 volumes of books, several hundred collections of palm lead manuscripts of various languages like Tamil, Telugu, English, Marathi and Hindi. Very rare books and manuscripts of this library are put in as a display. This library was once a palace private room of King of Thanjavur during the 16th century. This ceiling art of this library is a wonderful site to eyes. If you love architecture, history or art; you ought to visit this library.
David Sassoon Library
David Sassoon library is located in Mumbai. This is the oldest library in the city and was established in the 1870s. This is one of the many preserved libraries. There are various rare books and unseen editions of famous books in this library. This library takes you to the 18th century by its structure, design and book collection. This is the right place to wander if you are a bookworm and want a special silent place to enjoy some books.
Allahabad Public Library
Allahabad Public library is located in Thornhill Mayne Memorial in Alfred Park. This library was established in the 19th century. The building is an excellent example of Scottish Baronial architecture. This library has more than a million books, 40 different types of magazines and several manuscripts. This library also has old and rare manuscripts, blue books, parliamentary papers and other rare collections. The building is an architectural marvel too.
Raza Library
Raza library is located in New Delhi in Rampur palace. This library was constructed in the beginning of 20th century. This library has rare collections of books, manuscripts, handwritten dried palm leaves and miniature paintings. Most of the works are dated back to historic India. The collection of these started in the 17th century. This library has the first translation of the Quran and many other special books of Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Turkish, Pashto and so on. Moreover, the architecture of this library is a breathtaking one. This is one of the very few preserved libraries in India.
Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
Nehru Memorial Museum and Library is a double treat for your eyes. The library is located in the building that served as the home for the first prime minister of the country. Today, this building serves as a museum. The building was built by the famous architect Robert Tor Russell who also built the Connaught Place. This library was built in 1930 and has many historic books and manuscripts that stand as a heritage of the country. A lot of people visit this museum and library every year and considered to be an active tourist attraction in New Delhi.
National Library of India
The National Library of India is located in Kolkata, West Bengal. This is the largest library in the country. This has a huge collection of books. There are officially 2.2 million books in this library. This library is located in the middle of a lush garden of 30 acres. This library was once the residence of Lt Governor of Bengal before Indian independence.
Connemara Public Library
The Connemara Public Library is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This library was established in the late 19th century. Today, this library is a prestigious one and acts as a depository library of UNO. Many respected works and collections from various parts of the world are available here. This library stores every copy of books, magazine, newspaper and others printed in India.
There are a lot of other libraries in the country too. Many libraries have interesting history and a rare collection of books that you ought to enjoy during your visit to India.