हेडर

The National Archives of India, established in 1891 and now based in New Delhi, preserves the nation’s rich documentary heritage. It manages a vast collection of over 1.9 lakh publications, including rare books, reports, and newspapers. Operating under the Ministry of Culture, it also oversees regional offices and focuses on digitization, conservation, and research. The Archives plays a vital role in safeguarding India’s history and supporting scholars nationwide.

The Delhi Public Library, established in 1951 with UNESCO’s support, is a premier public library serving the entire Delhi metropolitan area. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Nehru, it operates under the Ministry of Culture and offers free access to all. Located in Chandni Chowk, it houses over 16 lakh books across diverse subjects and supports socio-cultural activities for the community.

The National Library, originally established as the Calcutta Public Library in the 19th century, evolved from the Imperial Library and was renamed after Independence in 1948. It serves as a permanent depository of all publications in India and holds over 22 lakh books, manuscripts, and periodicals. Opened to the public in 1953, it is one of India's premier libraries, housing rare books and thousands of valuable manuscripts across multiple languages.

The Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF), established in 1972 and funded by the Ministry of Culture, is the nodal agency supporting public library services across India. It collaborates with state governments through State Library Planning Committees to promote the public library movement. Since 2005-06, RRRLF has also partnered with Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan to develop District Youth Resource Centres, enhancing youth engagement and resource access.

The Rampur Raza Library, established in 1774 by Nawab Faizullah Khan, is a rich repository of Indo-Islamic learning, arts, and religious works. Managed by a trust since 1951 and brought under an Act of Parliament in 1975, it houses 17,000 manuscripts in multiple languages including Arabic, Persian, and Sanskrit. The library also holds a valuable collection of paintings, palm-leaf manuscripts, and around 60,000 printed books in various Indian and foreign languages.

The Central Reference Library, established in Kolkata in 1955, is a subordinate office under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. It serves as the National Bibliographic Agency, compiling and publishing the Indian National Bibliography in 14 Indian languages, including English. The library also publishes the Index Indiana, covering articles on Indian literature, science, social sciences, and more. Its key publications include the Indian National Bibliography Annual and Monthly, Language Bibliography Annual, and Special Bibliography.

Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, established in 1891 in Patna by Khan Bahadur Khuda Bakhsh, began with 4,000 manuscripts, including 1,400 inherited from his father. Donated to the public by Khuda Bakhsh, it was declared an Institution of National Importance by the Government of India in 1969. Now fully funded by the Ministry of Culture, it houses around 21,000 Oriental manuscripts and 2.5 lakh printed books. The library is managed by a Board chaired by the Governor of Bihar, with daily operations led by the Director.