Royal Library of India: Guardians of Regal Knowledge and Heritage

Royal Library of India
An Asian/Indian mid-adult woman share a textbook with a mature woman. They are in traditional Indian dress (Sari and Blouse). They sit together near a window at day time.

India’s royal library is not only marked by opulent palaces and lavish courts but also by an impressive tradition of literary patronage. The royal libraries of India were once the heart of intellectual pursuits, housing rare manuscripts, ancient scriptures, and scholarly works collected over centuries. These libraries reflect the grandeur of India’s royal families and their commitment to preserving knowledge, culture, and tradition.

Let’s explore some of the most notable royal libraries of India that continue to echo the wisdom of the past.

1. Rampur Raza Library, Uttar Pradesh

Why it stands out:
One of the finest royal libraries in India, the Rampur Raza Library was established by Nawab Faizullah Khan in the 18th century. It houses one of the richest collections of Indo-Islamic manuscripts, miniature paintings, and rare Persian, Arabic, Urdu, and Turkish books.

Highlights:

  • Over 17,000 rare manuscripts

  • 60,000 printed books

  • Ancient calligraphy and illustrated works

  • A collection of astrological charts and maps

Location: Rampur, Uttar Pradesh

2. Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, Bihar

Why it stands out:
Although now public, this library was originally curated by Maulvi Khuda Bakhsh, whose family served royal patrons in Bihar. It officially opened in 1891 and became one of the few libraries in India with rare Arabic and Persian manuscripts.

Highlights:

  • Over 20,000 manuscripts

  • Works from the Mughal, Persian, and Arabic traditions

  • Illustrated Islamic texts and translations

Location: Patna, Bihar

3. Sarasvati Mahal Library, Thanjavur

Why it stands out:
Founded by the Nayak kings and developed by the Marathas of Thanjavur, this library is one of the oldest in Asia. It houses a rare collection of palm-leaf manuscripts and works in Tamil, Sanskrit, Marathi, and Telugu.

Highlights:

  • Over 60,000 volumes

  • Manuscripts on science, medicine, and literature

  • Multilingual heritage: Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Marathi

Location: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

4. Jaipur Maharaja Library, Rajasthan

Why it stands out:
Located in the City Palace, this private library of the royal family of Jaipur contains a treasure trove of manuscripts and printed books collected over generations.

Highlights:

  • Ancient royal decrees and Sanskrit texts

  • Manuscripts on astronomy, religion, and law

  • Rare Mughal-era illustrations

Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan

5. Baroda State Library (Sayaji Gaekwad Library), Gujarat

Why it stands out:
Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda was known for his progressive approach to education. He established the library as part of his vision to make knowledge accessible, and it still retains elements of the royal collection.

Highlights:

  • Over 10,000 historical volumes

  • Manuscripts in Gujarati, Persian, and English

  • Books on governance, law, and science

Location: Vadodara, Gujarat

6. Bikaner Royal Library (Anup Sanskrit Library), Rajasthan

Why it stands out:
Established during the reign of Maharaja Anup Singh in the 17th century, this library is an important center of Sanskrit literature and royal knowledge.

Highlights:

  • More than 10,000 manuscripts

  • Works in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Hindi

  • Rare texts on Hindu philosophy, Vedas, and grammar

Location: Bikaner, Rajasthan

7. Tipu Sultan’s Library, Karnataka

Why it stands out:
Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, was a scholar and patron of arts. His libraries once held rare Islamic texts and scientific treatises from around the world.

Highlights:

  • Ancient Qurans and Arabic manuscripts

  • Works on military science and astronomy

  • Lost books now preserved in museums and archives

Location: Formerly in Srirangapatna, Karnataka (many collections moved to British and Indian archives)

📚 Conclusion

The royal libraries of India are more than just book repositories—they are living monuments of India’s scholarly traditions, religious diversity, and royal patronage. Each library carries within its walls centuries of wisdom, culture, and untold stories. Whether preserved as public heritage or maintained by royal families, these libraries continue to inspire historians, researchers, and knowledge seekers from around the world.