Introduction
The
Rampur Raza Library is a treasure house of Indo Islamic learning and
arts which was setup by the erstwhile Rampur State which was founded
by Nawab Faizullah Khan in 1774, who ruled the State up to 1794 and
formed the nucleus of the library through his inherited collection of
valuable manuscripts, historical documents, Mughal miniature
paintings, books and other works of art kept in the Nawabs
Toshakhana. He also substantially added to the collection by his
acquisition. Nawab Muhammad Yusuf Ali Khan 'Nazim' a was literary
person and a famous poet of Urdu and a disciple of celebrated poet
Mirza Ghalib. He created a separate department of the library and
shifted the collection to the newly constructed rooms of Kothi
Genralie. The Nawab also invited well known calligraphers,
illuminators and binders from Kashmir and other parts of India. The
later Nawabs continued to enrich the collection.
Nawab Kalbe Ali Khan (1865-87) was a distinguished scholar and very much interested in collection of rare manuscripts, paintings, and commissioned connoisseur scholars to obtain rare manuscripts, paintings and other art objects and thus enormously enriched the library collection.
Nawab Kalbe Ali Khan (1865-87) was a distinguished scholar and very much interested in collection of rare manuscripts, paintings, and commissioned connoisseur scholars to obtain rare manuscripts, paintings and other art objects and thus enormously enriched the library collection.
About
Us
Origin And Development
The
Rampur Raza Library is one of the world's magnificent, unparalleled
repository of cultural heritage and treasure-house of knowledge built
up by successive Nawabs of Rampur State. It contains very rare and
valuable collection of manuscripts, historical documents, specimens
of Islamic calligraphy, miniature paintings, astronomical instruments
and rare illustrated works in Arabic and Persian languages besides
60,000 printed books.
Conceived and personal collection of manuscripts, miniatures specimens of Islamic calligraphy in the last decades of the 18th century, the founder of Rampur State, Nawab Faizullah Khan who ruled the state from 1774 to 1794, established the library with his personal modest collection kept in the Toshakhana of his Palace. As all the Nawabs were the great patrons of scholars, poets, painters, calligraphers and musicians, the library occupied the pivotal place of all library and publication activities. With this humble beginning, the library grew by leaps and bounds and notable additions were made to the collection during the rule of Nawab Ahmad Ali Khan (1794-1840).
Nawab Mohammad Saeed Khan (1840-1855) was versatile mind he created a separate department of library. He shifted the collection to new rooms. He engaged Agha Yusuf Ali Maulavi who was an Afghan Scholar, to organize the collection into a library. The Nawab invited well known calligraphers, illuminators and binders from Kashmir and other parts of India. The Nawab also got a seal with the following Persian inscription.
"Hast in muhr bar Kutub Khana : Waali-i-Rampur farzana." in A.H 1268 (1851-1852 A.D) It means " This is the seal of the library: by the wise ruler (Nawab) of Rampur."
Nawab Yousuf Ali Khan Nazim succeeded his father and was crowned on 1st April 1855. The Nawab was himself a poet of Urdu and took guidance from the celebrated poet Mirza Ghalib. The Nawab's Diwan (collection of verses) written in gold is preserved in the library. After the first struggle of India's freedom in 1857, a large number of eminent poets, writers and scholars came to Rampur and settled here. Nawab Kalbe Ali Khan Khan (1865-1887) showed keen interest in the collection of rare manuscripts, paintings and specimens of Islamic calligraphy. He was himself an eminent scholar and poet. He commissioned scholars to secure rare manuscripts, paintings and art pieces of the Mughal and Awadh libraries. He used to examine the manuscripts and recorded his impression about their importance. The Nawab also went to Haj pilgrimage and brought a good number of rare manuscripts including the unique parchment manuscript of Quran attributed to Hazrat Ali (d. 661) of the 7th century A.D with him. Thus the library collection was enriched enormously.
Nawab Mushtaq Ali Khan (1887-1889) was permanently sick. General Azamuddin Khan was appointed the regent to look after the affairs of the State in 1887. He constituted a managing committee and allotted a budget for the upkeep and development of thThe Rampur Raza Library is one of the world's magnificent, unparalleled repository of cultural heritage and treasure-house of knowledge built up by successive Nawabs of Rampur State. It contains very rare and valuable collection of manuscripts, historical documents, specimens of Islamic calligraphy, miniature paintings, astronomical instruments and rare illustrated works in Arabic and Persian languages besides 60,000 printed books.
Conceived and personal collection of manuscripts, miniatures specimens of Islamic calligraphy in the last decades of the 18th century, the founder of Rampur State, Nawab Faizullah Khan who ruled the state from 1774 to 1794, established the library with his personal modest collection kept in the Toshakhana of his Palace. As all the Nawabs were the great patrons of scholars, poets, painters, calligraphers and musicians, the library occupied the pivotal place of all library and publication activities. With this humble beginning, the library grew by leaps and bounds and notable additions were made to the collection during the rule of Nawab Ahmad Ali Khan (1794-1840).
Nawab Mohammad Saeed Khan (1840-1855) was versatile mind he created a separate department of library. He shifted the collection to new rooms. He engaged Agha Yusuf Ali Maulavi who was an Afghan Scholar, to organize the collection into a library. The Nawab invited well known calligraphers, illuminators and binders from Kashmir and other parts of India. The Nawab also got a seal with the following Persian inscription.
"Hast in muhr bar Kutub Khana : Waali-i-Rampur farzana." in A.H 1268
(1851-1852 A.D)
It means " This is the seal of the library: by the wise ruler (Nawab) of Rampur."
Nawab Yousuf Ali Khan Nazim succeeded his father and was crowned on 1st April 1855. The Nawab was himself a poet of Urdu and took guidance from the celebrated poet Mirza Ghalib. The Nawab's Diwan (collection of verses) written in gold is preserved in the library. After the first struggle of India's freedom in 1857, a large number of eminent poets, writers and scholars came to Rampur and settled here. Nawab Kalbe Ali Khan Khan (1865-1887) showed keen interest in the collection of rare manuscripts, paintings and specimens of Islamic calligraphy. He was himself an eminent scholar and poet. He commissioned scholars to secure rare manuscripts, paintings and art pieces of the Mughal and Awadh libraries. He used to examine the manuscripts and recorded his impression about their importance. The Nawab also went to Haj pilgrimage and brought a good number of rare manuscripts including the unique parchment manuscript of Quran attributed to Hazrat Ali (d. 661) of the 7th century A.D with him. Thus the library collection was enriched enormously.
Nawab Mushtaq Ali Khan (1887-1889) was permanently sick. General Azamuddin Khan was appointed the regent to look after the affairs of the State in 1887. He constituted a managing committee and allotted a budget for the upkeep and development of the library. A new building was also constructed where the library collection was shifted from ToshaKhana in 1892. He also extended facilities to senior academicians and research scholars from other parts of the country.
Nawab Hamid Ali Khan (1889-1930) visited several countries before ascending to the throne. He was highly educated and a prolific builder and built impressive palaces, castle ramparts, and state buildings in Rampur city. He also built a splendid mansion of Indo-European style named Hamid Manzil inside the fort in 1904. The Raza library was later shifted to this magnificent building in 1957. Nawab Hamid Ali Khan added new art objects to the valuable collection and enforced certain reforms in the management of the library. During his time, Hakim Ajmal Khan, Maulana Najmul Ghani Khan and Hafiz Ahmad Ali Khan 'Shauq' managed the library.
Nawab Raza Ali Khan ascended the throne on 21st June 1930. He had his education in India and abroad. He showed a very progressive bent from his early age and introduced modern education in schools and colleges. He also invited educationists of repute to organise these academic institutions. Besides he was a great lover of Indian music for which he purchased several rare manuscripts and books on the subject.
After the merger of the Rampur State in the Union of India, in 1949 the library was controlled by the management of a Trust which was created on 06th August 1951. The trust management continued till July, 1975.
Prof. S. Nurul Hasan, the then Minister of State for Education and Scientific Research, Govt. of India, came repeatedly to the library and took a serious view of the neglected condition of this precious heritage. At his instance suitable measures were taken for providing better management and sufficient financial grants. As a result, the Government of India took over the library on 1st July 1975 under the Act of Parliament and assumed full funding and management of the library. When the library was taken over by the Central Government, Nawab Syed Murtaza Ali Khan was nominated the Vice-Chairman of the newly created Board for the life under sub-section 5(1) of the Act. With his sad demise on Feb 8th, 1982, the post of Vice-Chairman was automatically abolished. Now the library occupies the position of an autonomous institution of national importance under Department of Culture, Government of India and is fully funded by Central Government.
Conceived and personal collection of manuscripts, miniatures specimens of Islamic calligraphy in the last decades of the 18th century, the founder of Rampur State, Nawab Faizullah Khan who ruled the state from 1774 to 1794, established the library with his personal modest collection kept in the Toshakhana of his Palace. As all the Nawabs were the great patrons of scholars, poets, painters, calligraphers and musicians, the library occupied the pivotal place of all library and publication activities. With this humble beginning, the library grew by leaps and bounds and notable additions were made to the collection during the rule of Nawab Ahmad Ali Khan (1794-1840).
Nawab Mohammad Saeed Khan (1840-1855) was versatile mind he created a separate department of library. He shifted the collection to new rooms. He engaged Agha Yusuf Ali Maulavi who was an Afghan Scholar, to organize the collection into a library. The Nawab invited well known calligraphers, illuminators and binders from Kashmir and other parts of India. The Nawab also got a seal with the following Persian inscription.
"Hast in muhr bar Kutub Khana : Waali-i-Rampur farzana." in A.H 1268 (1851-1852 A.D) It means " This is the seal of the library: by the wise ruler (Nawab) of Rampur."
Nawab Yousuf Ali Khan Nazim succeeded his father and was crowned on 1st April 1855. The Nawab was himself a poet of Urdu and took guidance from the celebrated poet Mirza Ghalib. The Nawab's Diwan (collection of verses) written in gold is preserved in the library. After the first struggle of India's freedom in 1857, a large number of eminent poets, writers and scholars came to Rampur and settled here. Nawab Kalbe Ali Khan Khan (1865-1887) showed keen interest in the collection of rare manuscripts, paintings and specimens of Islamic calligraphy. He was himself an eminent scholar and poet. He commissioned scholars to secure rare manuscripts, paintings and art pieces of the Mughal and Awadh libraries. He used to examine the manuscripts and recorded his impression about their importance. The Nawab also went to Haj pilgrimage and brought a good number of rare manuscripts including the unique parchment manuscript of Quran attributed to Hazrat Ali (d. 661) of the 7th century A.D with him. Thus the library collection was enriched enormously.
Nawab Mushtaq Ali Khan (1887-1889) was permanently sick. General Azamuddin Khan was appointed the regent to look after the affairs of the State in 1887. He constituted a managing committee and allotted a budget for the upkeep and development of thThe Rampur Raza Library is one of the world's magnificent, unparalleled repository of cultural heritage and treasure-house of knowledge built up by successive Nawabs of Rampur State. It contains very rare and valuable collection of manuscripts, historical documents, specimens of Islamic calligraphy, miniature paintings, astronomical instruments and rare illustrated works in Arabic and Persian languages besides 60,000 printed books.
Conceived and personal collection of manuscripts, miniatures specimens of Islamic calligraphy in the last decades of the 18th century, the founder of Rampur State, Nawab Faizullah Khan who ruled the state from 1774 to 1794, established the library with his personal modest collection kept in the Toshakhana of his Palace. As all the Nawabs were the great patrons of scholars, poets, painters, calligraphers and musicians, the library occupied the pivotal place of all library and publication activities. With this humble beginning, the library grew by leaps and bounds and notable additions were made to the collection during the rule of Nawab Ahmad Ali Khan (1794-1840).
Nawab Mohammad Saeed Khan (1840-1855) was versatile mind he created a separate department of library. He shifted the collection to new rooms. He engaged Agha Yusuf Ali Maulavi who was an Afghan Scholar, to organize the collection into a library. The Nawab invited well known calligraphers, illuminators and binders from Kashmir and other parts of India. The Nawab also got a seal with the following Persian inscription.
"Hast in muhr bar Kutub Khana : Waali-i-Rampur farzana." in A.H 1268
(1851-1852 A.D)
It means " This is the seal of the library: by the wise ruler (Nawab) of Rampur."
Nawab Yousuf Ali Khan Nazim succeeded his father and was crowned on 1st April 1855. The Nawab was himself a poet of Urdu and took guidance from the celebrated poet Mirza Ghalib. The Nawab's Diwan (collection of verses) written in gold is preserved in the library. After the first struggle of India's freedom in 1857, a large number of eminent poets, writers and scholars came to Rampur and settled here. Nawab Kalbe Ali Khan Khan (1865-1887) showed keen interest in the collection of rare manuscripts, paintings and specimens of Islamic calligraphy. He was himself an eminent scholar and poet. He commissioned scholars to secure rare manuscripts, paintings and art pieces of the Mughal and Awadh libraries. He used to examine the manuscripts and recorded his impression about their importance. The Nawab also went to Haj pilgrimage and brought a good number of rare manuscripts including the unique parchment manuscript of Quran attributed to Hazrat Ali (d. 661) of the 7th century A.D with him. Thus the library collection was enriched enormously.
Nawab Mushtaq Ali Khan (1887-1889) was permanently sick. General Azamuddin Khan was appointed the regent to look after the affairs of the State in 1887. He constituted a managing committee and allotted a budget for the upkeep and development of the library. A new building was also constructed where the library collection was shifted from ToshaKhana in 1892. He also extended facilities to senior academicians and research scholars from other parts of the country.
Nawab Hamid Ali Khan (1889-1930) visited several countries before ascending to the throne. He was highly educated and a prolific builder and built impressive palaces, castle ramparts, and state buildings in Rampur city. He also built a splendid mansion of Indo-European style named Hamid Manzil inside the fort in 1904. The Raza library was later shifted to this magnificent building in 1957. Nawab Hamid Ali Khan added new art objects to the valuable collection and enforced certain reforms in the management of the library. During his time, Hakim Ajmal Khan, Maulana Najmul Ghani Khan and Hafiz Ahmad Ali Khan 'Shauq' managed the library.
Nawab Raza Ali Khan ascended the throne on 21st June 1930. He had his education in India and abroad. He showed a very progressive bent from his early age and introduced modern education in schools and colleges. He also invited educationists of repute to organise these academic institutions. Besides he was a great lover of Indian music for which he purchased several rare manuscripts and books on the subject.
After the merger of the Rampur State in the Union of India, in 1949 the library was controlled by the management of a Trust which was created on 06th August 1951. The trust management continued till July, 1975.
Prof. S. Nurul Hasan, the then Minister of State for Education and Scientific Research, Govt. of India, came repeatedly to the library and took a serious view of the neglected condition of this precious heritage. At his instance suitable measures were taken for providing better management and sufficient financial grants. As a result, the Government of India took over the library on 1st July 1975 under the Act of Parliament and assumed full funding and management of the library. When the library was taken over by the Central Government, Nawab Syed Murtaza Ali Khan was nominated the Vice-Chairman of the newly created Board for the life under sub-section 5(1) of the Act. With his sad demise on Feb 8th, 1982, the post of Vice-Chairman was automatically abolished. Now the library occupies the position of an autonomous institution of national importance under Department of Culture, Government of India and is fully funded by Central Government.
e library. A new building was also constructed
where the library collection was shifted from ToshaKhana in 1892. He
also extended facilities to senior academicians and research scholars
from other parts of the country.
Nawab Hamid Ali Khan (1889-1930) visited several countries before ascending to the throne. He was highly educated and a prolific builder and built impressive palaces, castle ramparts, and state buildings in Rampur city. He also built a splendid mansion of Indo-European style named Hamid Manzil inside the fort in 1904. The Raza library was later shifted to this magnificent building in 1957. Nawab Hamid Ali Khan added new art objects to the valuable collection and enforced certain reforms in the management of the library. During his time, Hakim Ajmal Khan, Maulana Najmul Ghani Khan and Hafiz Ahmad Ali Khan 'Shauq' managed the library.
Nawab Raza Ali Khan ascended the throne on 21st June 1930. He had his education in India and abroad. He showed a very progressive bent from his early age and introduced modern education in schools and colleges. He also invited educationists of repute to organise these academic institutions. Besides he was a great lover of Indian music for which he purchased several rare manuscripts and books on the subject.
After the merger of the Rampur State in the Union of India, in 1949 the library was controlled by the management of a Trust which was created on 06th August 1951. The trust management continued till July, 1975.
Prof. S. Nurul Hasan, the then Minister of State for Education and Scientific Research, Govt. of India, came repeatedly to the library and took a serious view of the neglected condition of this precious heritage. At his instance suitable measures were taken for providing better management and sufficient financial grants. As a result, the Government of India took over the library on 1st July 1975 under the Act of Parliament and assumed full funding and management of the library. When the library was taken over by the Central Government, Nawab Syed Murtaza Ali Khan was nominated the Vice-Chairman of the newly created Board for the life under sub-section 5(1) of the Act. With his sad demise on Feb 8th, 1982, the post of Vice-Chairman was automatically abolished. Now the library occupies the position of an autonomous institution of national importance under Department of Culture, Government of India and is fully funded by Central Government.
Nawab Hamid Ali Khan (1889-1930) visited several countries before ascending to the throne. He was highly educated and a prolific builder and built impressive palaces, castle ramparts, and state buildings in Rampur city. He also built a splendid mansion of Indo-European style named Hamid Manzil inside the fort in 1904. The Raza library was later shifted to this magnificent building in 1957. Nawab Hamid Ali Khan added new art objects to the valuable collection and enforced certain reforms in the management of the library. During his time, Hakim Ajmal Khan, Maulana Najmul Ghani Khan and Hafiz Ahmad Ali Khan 'Shauq' managed the library.
Nawab Raza Ali Khan ascended the throne on 21st June 1930. He had his education in India and abroad. He showed a very progressive bent from his early age and introduced modern education in schools and colleges. He also invited educationists of repute to organise these academic institutions. Besides he was a great lover of Indian music for which he purchased several rare manuscripts and books on the subject.
After the merger of the Rampur State in the Union of India, in 1949 the library was controlled by the management of a Trust which was created on 06th August 1951. The trust management continued till July, 1975.
Prof. S. Nurul Hasan, the then Minister of State for Education and Scientific Research, Govt. of India, came repeatedly to the library and took a serious view of the neglected condition of this precious heritage. At his instance suitable measures were taken for providing better management and sufficient financial grants. As a result, the Government of India took over the library on 1st July 1975 under the Act of Parliament and assumed full funding and management of the library. When the library was taken over by the Central Government, Nawab Syed Murtaza Ali Khan was nominated the Vice-Chairman of the newly created Board for the life under sub-section 5(1) of the Act. With his sad demise on Feb 8th, 1982, the post of Vice-Chairman was automatically abolished. Now the library occupies the position of an autonomous institution of national importance under Department of Culture, Government of India and is fully funded by Central Government.
Aims
and Objectives
The main purpose of the library is to extend all
facilities to the scholars in their endeavour for researches and to
ensure preservation and protection of invaluable collection of
manuscripts, paintings and rare books besides publishing text of
Arabic, Persian, Urdu and Hindi manuscripts and Catalogues, journals
etc. The library has undertaken a project of publication of books on
history, art and culture of medieval India. The library also
organizes workshops, seminars and holds special lectures for
promotion of learning and creating awareness among the young
scholars.
An important project approved by the board with the concurrence of Government of India for establishing a museum of antiquities, art objects, specimens of calligraphy, paintings and scientific instruments etc, has extended the scope and the responsibilities of the Rampur Raza Library. In particular, the growing interest in the protection of museum collections.
The plan to establish museum in the Darbar Hall of Hamid Manzil, provides an insight into the cultural heritage of Rampur State in general and Rohilkhand in particular which has no museum of its own so far. The Director of the library Prof S.M. Azizuddin Husain is promoting international standards of total care for Raza library's vast collection. Conservation science has advanced to a degree where measures can be instituted and hardware designed to resist and prevent the effects of deterioration.
An important project approved by the board with the concurrence of Government of India for establishing a museum of antiquities, art objects, specimens of calligraphy, paintings and scientific instruments etc, has extended the scope and the responsibilities of the Rampur Raza Library. In particular, the growing interest in the protection of museum collections.
The plan to establish museum in the Darbar Hall of Hamid Manzil, provides an insight into the cultural heritage of Rampur State in general and Rohilkhand in particular which has no museum of its own so far. The Director of the library Prof S.M. Azizuddin Husain is promoting international standards of total care for Raza library's vast collection. Conservation science has advanced to a degree where measures can be instituted and hardware designed to resist and prevent the effects of deterioration.
Services
Of the Reading Room
Aimed
at strengthening the reading room services, the Library has arranged
a hall, which is also a primary entrance into the library's research
collection. Where the readers can read the newspapers, periodicals
and magazines of their choice. Every day, newspapers journals,
magazines, books are delivered into the library. The tables are
always occupied with the readers, who wish to give their free time
and want to keep themselves aware with daily news and general
knowledge. The Reading room is furnished with steel card cabinets to
keep card-catalogues of the printed books as per library science
rules, wooden racks to keep the periodicals and magazines in proper
manner, wooden tables to keep newspapers and comfortable wooden
chairs for the readers to sit and to read newspapers, magazines and
periodicals. The newspapers and periodicals are kept on the record,
after the use as a valuable source of information and may be utilized
by scholars later on.
Library Collections
Manuscripts
Arabic
Some of the Arabic Collections may be considered as the oldest pieces of handwork in the field of Arabic Calligraphy. Among them is the seventh century A.D. Quran written on parchment in early Kufic script attributed to Hazrat Ali. (d.A.D.661) .
Persian
Zakhirai Khawarizm Shahi' is an earliest treatise
on medicine among the Persian manuscripts of the library. It was
scribed by Zainuddin Ibrahim Gurgani (d. 531 A.H.) Another one is
Tafsir-i-Tabari translated from Arabic by Abdul Baqi and scribed by
Mirza Muhammad bin Mujtahid, is datable to 12th century A.D. It bears
the autographs of Shah Abbas of Iran and Qasim Beg Khan dated 1031
A.H.(1621-22 A.D.). The earliest illustrated Persian work on history
of Mongol tribes entitled 'Jamiul-Tawarikh' by Rashidud-din
Fazlullah, includes rare miniatures depicting various aspects of
political, social, and religious life of the Mongols. The paintings
indicate inspiration of the Chinese and Central Asian early paintings
which had influenced the Herat School of Persia.
Sanskrit And Hindi
Among the notable Sanskrit manuscripts, mention may
be made of Probodh Chandrika, a work on grammar. It was written by
Baijnath Dev Chauhan Vanshi and scribed by Girdhari lal Mishra. There
is an important but incomplete commentary on Jyotish Ratanmala
written by Shri Shripati Bhatta. An interesting work entitled
Natrajan Dipmishada on Karma Kanda or Stuart, also contains certain
mantras for brightening the eyesight. The Mahinma Statures is a very
famous work with commentary compiled by Pushpa Dutta with commentator
Madhusudan Saraswati.
Urdu
The collection of urdu manuscripts is lesser in
numbers as compared to Arabic and Persian one. The library possesses
the Dewan of Shah Hatim, Kulliyat-i-Mir, Jurat, Hasan, Dewan-i-Soz,
and very important manuscript of Dewan-i-Ghalib which contains the
correction and modification in the handwriting of Ghalib himself.
Turkish
The Turkish language bears a notable impact on
Indian politics under the Sultans of Delhi and the early Mughals.
Several words of Turkish are commonly used in Hindi, Urdu and other
Indian regional languages. The Mughal Emperor Babur was a prolific
writer and poet in Turko-Uzbek language and was accepted as an
inventor of a particular style both in prose and verse.
Palm-Leaf
The Rampur Raza Library has many palm-leaf
manuscripts as its valuable asset. Most of them are in Telugu,
Sanskrit, Kannarh, Sinhali and Tamil languages. They are generally
religious in character. A Tamil script mentions the rules of
preparing images and icons and the mode of worship; another leaf
manuscript informs us about the medicinal properties of several herbs
which cure diseases. One such manuscript in Sanskrit language
Pushto
The Raza Library is distinguished for its rare
Pushto manuscripts and printed books as compared to the holdings of
other oriental libraries in India. The library possess commentary on
Quran in Pushto, and others two rare volumes collection of Diwan of
Khushhal Khan Khatak which is decorated immensely with gold in
Nastaliq characters.
Miniature
Paintings
The Rampur Raza Library is singularly rich in rare
miniature, portrait, and illustrated manuscripts representing Mongol,
Persian, Mughal Deccani, Rajput, Pahari, Awadh and British Schools of
Paintings largely untapped wealth of the library holdings.
There are thirty five albums of portraits and miniatures in the library which contain nearly five thousand pictures of imminent historical value. There is a unique album named Tilism of the early years of Akbar's reign which contains 157 miniatures portraying the life of different strata of society besides astrological and magical concepts one of the royal banner bears the Quranic verses and this symbolic Timurid banner is also painted with the sun and lion while others bear the Zodiac signs the album also has the seals of Awadh Nawabs which indicate that it was in there possession. The library collection also has an album bearing the portrait of Saints and Sufis.
A very valuable album of Ragmala which illustrated the 35 Ragas and Ragnis through beautiful landscape gods and goddess young musicians both male and female, besides different weathers, times and moods, exclusively painted in 17th century in Mughal style that is matchless.
Some of the album bear the portrait of Mongol Timurid and Mughal rulers with their princes and noblemen among the rulers mention may be made of Chingez Hulaqu, Timur, Babur, Humanyun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb, Muhammad Bahadur Shah Zafar, Gul Badan Begum, Nur Jahan, Baharam Khan, Itimad-ud- Daula, Asaf Khan, Burhan-ul-Mulk, Safdrar Jung, Shuja-ud-Daula, Asif-ud-Daula, Burhan Nizam Shah II, Abul Hahsan Tana Shah. Besides the collection includes the pictures of Iranian king and princes such as Ismail Safavi and Shah Abbas, there is a miniature of Maulana Rum Shirazi.
Among some royal painters whose works are preserved in the library are: Abul Hasan Nadir-uz-Zaman ,Asi Qahar, Bichitr, Bhavani Das, Chitrman, Dal Chand, Ram Das, Sawla, Farrukh Chela, Fatah Chand, Kanha, Goverdhan, Govind, Lal Chand, Lekh Raj, Manohar, Muhammad Abid, Narsing, , Thakur Das, Muhammad Afzal, Muhammad Husain, Muhammad Yusuf, Ghulam Murtaza.
Specimens of Islamic Calligraphy
The Rampur Raza Library is singularly unparalleled repository of the specimens of Islamic calligraphy of the celebrated master calligraphers of India and Iran such as Mir Ali, Muhammad Husain Kashmiri Zarrin Raqam, Sultan Ali Mashadi, Aaqa Abdul Raseed Delami, Dara Shikoh, Mir Imad al-Husaini, Abdullah Mushkin Qalam,Gulzar Raqam, Muhammad Akram, Muhammad Habib, Muhammad Masum Momin al Husain, Muhammad Rafi, Muhammad Hashim, Muhammad Amin Samar Kanddi. The famous calligraphers of Rampur State whose specimens are preserved in the library are Mir Iwaz Ali Adil Malihabadi, Maulvi Ilahi Bakhsh, Marjan Raqam, Ghulam Rasul Kahsmiri, Muhammad Hasan Kashmiri, Muhammad Salam Ullah Rampuri, Muhammad Azeem Ullah Khan Pahlawan Raqam, Muhammad Mahdi Ali Khan, Hafiz Ahmad Ali Shouq and other calligraphy artists.
There are thirty five albums of portraits and miniatures in the library which contain nearly five thousand pictures of imminent historical value. There is a unique album named Tilism of the early years of Akbar's reign which contains 157 miniatures portraying the life of different strata of society besides astrological and magical concepts one of the royal banner bears the Quranic verses and this symbolic Timurid banner is also painted with the sun and lion while others bear the Zodiac signs the album also has the seals of Awadh Nawabs which indicate that it was in there possession. The library collection also has an album bearing the portrait of Saints and Sufis.
A very valuable album of Ragmala which illustrated the 35 Ragas and Ragnis through beautiful landscape gods and goddess young musicians both male and female, besides different weathers, times and moods, exclusively painted in 17th century in Mughal style that is matchless.
Some of the album bear the portrait of Mongol Timurid and Mughal rulers with their princes and noblemen among the rulers mention may be made of Chingez Hulaqu, Timur, Babur, Humanyun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb, Muhammad Bahadur Shah Zafar, Gul Badan Begum, Nur Jahan, Baharam Khan, Itimad-ud- Daula, Asaf Khan, Burhan-ul-Mulk, Safdrar Jung, Shuja-ud-Daula, Asif-ud-Daula, Burhan Nizam Shah II, Abul Hahsan Tana Shah. Besides the collection includes the pictures of Iranian king and princes such as Ismail Safavi and Shah Abbas, there is a miniature of Maulana Rum Shirazi.
Among some royal painters whose works are preserved in the library are: Abul Hasan Nadir-uz-Zaman ,Asi Qahar, Bichitr, Bhavani Das, Chitrman, Dal Chand, Ram Das, Sawla, Farrukh Chela, Fatah Chand, Kanha, Goverdhan, Govind, Lal Chand, Lekh Raj, Manohar, Muhammad Abid, Narsing, , Thakur Das, Muhammad Afzal, Muhammad Husain, Muhammad Yusuf, Ghulam Murtaza.
Specimens of Islamic Calligraphy
The Rampur Raza Library is singularly unparalleled repository of the specimens of Islamic calligraphy of the celebrated master calligraphers of India and Iran such as Mir Ali, Muhammad Husain Kashmiri Zarrin Raqam, Sultan Ali Mashadi, Aaqa Abdul Raseed Delami, Dara Shikoh, Mir Imad al-Husaini, Abdullah Mushkin Qalam,Gulzar Raqam, Muhammad Akram, Muhammad Habib, Muhammad Masum Momin al Husain, Muhammad Rafi, Muhammad Hashim, Muhammad Amin Samar Kanddi. The famous calligraphers of Rampur State whose specimens are preserved in the library are Mir Iwaz Ali Adil Malihabadi, Maulvi Ilahi Bakhsh, Marjan Raqam, Ghulam Rasul Kahsmiri, Muhammad Hasan Kashmiri, Muhammad Salam Ullah Rampuri, Muhammad Azeem Ullah Khan Pahlawan Raqam, Muhammad Mahdi Ali Khan, Hafiz Ahmad Ali Shouq and other calligraphy artists.
Astronomical
instruments
There are old art objects and rare astronomical instruments in the library. The oldest instrument of the collection is an Astrolabe made by Siraj Damashqi in AH.615 (1218 A.D). Other astrolabes by this instrument maker are known one dated A.H. 623 (1225 A.D.) is in the Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad and other of A.H. 628 (1280 A.D.) is with the National Museum, New Delhi. Chronologically the next instrument is a Celestial globe crafted by Muhammad Ibn Jaffar in AH 834 (1430-31 AD) at Kirman equally important is a mariner's astrolabe in this collection it is undated. Another astrolabe designed by Ziauddin Muhammad of Lahore dated 1074 AH (1663-64 AD).
Library Sections
There are old art objects and rare astronomical instruments in the library. The oldest instrument of the collection is an Astrolabe made by Siraj Damashqi in AH.615 (1218 A.D). Other astrolabes by this instrument maker are known one dated A.H. 623 (1225 A.D.) is in the Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad and other of A.H. 628 (1280 A.D.) is with the National Museum, New Delhi. Chronologically the next instrument is a Celestial globe crafted by Muhammad Ibn Jaffar in AH 834 (1430-31 AD) at Kirman equally important is a mariner's astrolabe in this collection it is undated. Another astrolabe designed by Ziauddin Muhammad of Lahore dated 1074 AH (1663-64 AD).
Library Sections
Acquisition
The acquisition of manuscripts, art objects and books through purchase, gift & exchange is a continuing feature of the library. The library has also endeavoured to acquire rare manuscripts available in private collections. The concerted effort towards this direction has yielded profitable results. Periodical Section aimed at strengthening the Reading Room services, the library has arranged a hall where the readers can read the newspapers, periodicals & magazines of their choice. These tables are always filled with the readers who wish to give their free time and want to keep themselves aware with the daily news and knowledge. The newspapers and periodicals are kept on the record after the use as a source of information and can be utilized by scholars later on.
Publications
The
miscellaneous activities of the Rampur Raza library are projected
through its publications which serve as the primary source of
reference for the research scholars. Works in Urdu, Arabic, Persian,
Hindi and English have so far been released. In addition to new
titles, the work of reprinting out of stock publications is also in
progress to meet the demands of scholars. The Raza library Journal is
published every year. It contains research articles of noted
literateurs of Urdu. The contributors whose views were included in
the Journal belonged to senior scholars and university professors,
academicians and the research scholars of library. The Journal has
become very popular in India and abroad due to its academic standard
and vivid illustrations etc.
Computerization
And Digitization
The
Arabic, Persian, English and Hindi books entries of database have
been prepared in bibliographical information through the computer.
The Rampur Raza library has initiated a digitization project to make
available substantial collections, so that students, researchers,
professors, historians and life-long learners can explore a wide
range of collection and uncover treasures. We expect the digitization
of our collections to enable interesting discoveries to be made and
to open up new avenues for research.
The members of the Rampur Raza library board approved the digitization project. The work is being done by a reputed firm of New Delhi. The digital images are prepared at 300 dpi in JPEG and TIFF files. The back up in dvds is stored. In the first phase the library planned to digitize 25,00000 pages so far 14,00000 have been digitized covering the period 2006 to March 2012. The collection of images digital images will be shortly online on our website and can be accessed at any time, from anywhere in the world, and browsed conveniently.
The members of the Rampur Raza library board approved the digitization project. The work is being done by a reputed firm of New Delhi. The digital images are prepared at 300 dpi in JPEG and TIFF files. The back up in dvds is stored. In the first phase the library planned to digitize 25,00000 pages so far 14,00000 have been digitized covering the period 2006 to March 2012. The collection of images digital images will be shortly online on our website and can be accessed at any time, from anywhere in the world, and browsed conveniently.
Binding
The
binding of books is a regular process in the library. The new titles
with ordinary sheets received in the library are given to this
section for binding with hard thread and card sheet. The library has
an expert binding section which is reputed for its repair work on
bindings of old manuscripts, books, library catalogues, registers,
technical reports and account ledgers etc. In the binding section
lots of books are received new binding and repairs. Besides
registers, note books, photo albums are also bound. For the binding
of rare manuscripts and old printed books, binding section uses acid
free mount boards and handmade papers. Binding section is working
under the supervision of conservation laboratory.
Conservation
The
libraries around the world maintain historical collections and these
collections require significant efforts for preservation because use,
time and inherent materials are taking toll. To understand and
eliminate the deteriorating physical, chemical and biological
conditions that cause the damage to the works of art on paper latest
development in scientific research and contemporary techniques to
conserve and restore priceless collection. The Rampur Raza library
contains sources of knowledge of multiple kinds in the form of
priceless manuscripts, books, paintings, specimen of Islamic
calligraphy, rare old printed books to name a few, as well as many
other unique assets in its vast collection. A very important wing of
Rampur Raza Library is the conservation laboratory, which is
committed to scientifically preserve, maintain and restore the
deteriorating collection due to Ageing effects and various elements
of nature.
The conservation center began in 1995 after meticulous evaluation and inspection and discussions by experts and officers in charge, and as a natural corollary to the prevailing state of affairs a decision was taken to establish an in-house conservation laboratory for tackling the challenges of conservation in the Rampur Raza library. Ever since then it has been rendering the needed preservation facilities to the permanent collections of Rampur Raza library. This laboratory is located on the first floor of Hamid Manzil occupying two rooms.
The conservation treatments are done applying international methods and most up to date techniques, materials and equipments so that the conservators could restore the permanent collection and keep them in good condition. Every conservation treatment is done according to the ethics applied in conservation largely concentrating on minimal intervention policy. The Conservation lab is continuously concentrated and giving qualitative conservation treatments to the works of art.
The conservation lab regularly engages itself in preventive and curative conservation of collection. The art object is thoroughly examined and according to need, appropriate treatment is given to prolong the life of the objects. Around the year preventive conservation steps such as cleaning of the Almirahs, dusting, good handling practices, mounting using acid free mount boards( different techniques of mounting are used) fumigation, insecticidal papers, fungicidal papers, Buffer paper, prevention of physical damage, acid free boxes and folders for collection etc.
The conservation center began in 1995 after meticulous evaluation and inspection and discussions by experts and officers in charge, and as a natural corollary to the prevailing state of affairs a decision was taken to establish an in-house conservation laboratory for tackling the challenges of conservation in the Rampur Raza library. Ever since then it has been rendering the needed preservation facilities to the permanent collections of Rampur Raza library. This laboratory is located on the first floor of Hamid Manzil occupying two rooms.
The conservation treatments are done applying international methods and most up to date techniques, materials and equipments so that the conservators could restore the permanent collection and keep them in good condition. Every conservation treatment is done according to the ethics applied in conservation largely concentrating on minimal intervention policy. The Conservation lab is continuously concentrated and giving qualitative conservation treatments to the works of art.
The conservation lab regularly engages itself in preventive and curative conservation of collection. The art object is thoroughly examined and according to need, appropriate treatment is given to prolong the life of the objects. Around the year preventive conservation steps such as cleaning of the Almirahs, dusting, good handling practices, mounting using acid free mount boards( different techniques of mounting are used) fumigation, insecticidal papers, fungicidal papers, Buffer paper, prevention of physical damage, acid free boxes and folders for collection etc.
Museum
Earlier the museums were considered as the store-houses of
curiosities, lately, the importance of a museum has been realized
in the Rampur Raza Library as the repository of nation's valuable
treasuries. The Library intends to open a museum in the Darbar
Hall of Hamid Manzil Palace. It's as an impressive place of art,
education, research and archaeology for the visitors and research
scholars. In the Darbar hall few originals and blow-ups of rare
manuscripts, miniature paintings, specimens of Islamic calligraphy
and other art objects have been put for the viewing of the
visitors.
The majority of the visitors come and inspect
these items. It opened for the benefit of connoisseurs of art and
culture on all the days of the week except the holidays. The way
to the Darbar Hall housing, is through a sculpture gallery
representing a number of classical feminine Greek icons figures of
the 18th century, which were imported from Italy more than a
century ago. The gigantic life-size statues have been carved out
of white falcon marble. The niches in the gallery, cornices and
ceilings of the canopy are embellished in pure gold add much to
its stately grandeur. The Darbar Hall has five large sized antique
chandeliers hung from its ceilings and become lively when their
original electric bulbs that are nearly hundred years old are
turned on. There are five life-size marble statues kept in the
Darbar Hall. And plan to preserve and store all that needs to be
salvaged, remembered and relished from our past and present.
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Security
of the library
The
watch and ward of the Library assets is one of the important
functions of its management. The security of the Rampur Raza Library
has been handed over to a force comprising of 26 personnels of
Central Industrial Security Force (C.I.S.F). With the continuous
extension of Library premises, round the clock vigil is to be
maintained. Iron grills were provided to all the doors and windows of
the Hamid Manzil which houses rare collections and priceless art
objects.
All the readers, visitors and scholars have to pass through a metal detector gate to make an entry into the Library. The readers, visitors and scholars can enter the reading room in the main building after a security check and recording their names and addresses in the register kept at the reception in the custody of C.I.S.F personnel. The visitors are issued an identity slip, which they return when going back from the library.
Bags cases and Polythene are not allowed inside the library. Mobiles and cameras are also not permitted. The whole Library is well connected with CCTV and security personnels checked it round the clock. Other security measures may be enforced. To protect the rich collection of the library from fire, Raza Library has Fire Protection System in main building.
All the readers, visitors and scholars have to pass through a metal detector gate to make an entry into the Library. The readers, visitors and scholars can enter the reading room in the main building after a security check and recording their names and addresses in the register kept at the reception in the custody of C.I.S.F personnel. The visitors are issued an identity slip, which they return when going back from the library.
Bags cases and Polythene are not allowed inside the library. Mobiles and cameras are also not permitted. The whole Library is well connected with CCTV and security personnels checked it round the clock. Other security measures may be enforced. To protect the rich collection of the library from fire, Raza Library has Fire Protection System in main building.
