The National Library of India, often regarded as the grand dame of Indian libraries, holds a distinguished position. It stands as the largest authorized repository of public records in India, with an impressive collection of around 2.2 million volumes.

The materials within the National Library are incredibly diverse, including 86,000 maps, 3,200 manuscripts, and an astonishing forty-five kilometers of shelf space. This library is an invaluable resource for the study of public documents, colonial records, and a wide range of research topics. Navigating the bureaucratic process to access these materials can be an adventure in itself.

To gain entry to the Bhasha Bhavan, the main reading rooms, you need to follow a specific process. You must submit an online form to obtain a Reader's Pass, which must then be certified by a Gazetted Officer. Passes are issued during specific hours, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., from Monday to Friday. The National Library of India opens its doors on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ratings: 4.5 stars (from 1149 reviews)

Address: G8MM+6CF, Belvedere Rd, Block A, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027, India

Website: https://www.nationallibrary.gov.in/

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Established in 1805, the Asiatic Society of Mumbai stands as one of India's oldest and most historically rich libraries. Out of its vast collection of approximately one hundred thousand volumes, around fifteen thousand are rare, valuable, or antique, making it a haven for history enthusiasts.

This library primarily concentrates on Indian history and culture and is a prominent resource for Asian Studies. It's the ideal destination if you're looking to escape the sweltering heat of Mumbai and explore treasures like 16th-century Sanskrit manuscripts or an authentic Italian copy of Dante's Divine Comedy. Additionally, the library annually publishes its own journal and hosts a variety of lectures and activities.

The Asiatic Society of Mumbai offers various membership options, and applications are assessed by a panel based on the applicant's "persistent interest in the Society's purposes and objectives." While browsing is open to all, book borrowing privileges are exclusive to members. It's important to note that non-Indians may have limited eligibility for membership.

Ratings: 4.5 stars (from 899 reviews)

Address: WRJP+P8M, Town Hall, Shahid Bhagat Singh Rd, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400023, India

Website: https://granthsanjeevani.com/jspui/

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For those seeking the charm of an old-fashioned, wood-paneled, and dust-filled library, the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library stands out as one of India's finest. This library, combined with a museum, is a treasure trove of information on iconic figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and India's struggle for independence. It also boasts the largest collection of Ph.D. dissertations, papers, and journals in the realm of social sciences, earning praise from eminent scholars, including Ramachandra Guha.

Beyond its physical collection, the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library has embarked on an ambitious digitization initiative. This initiative allows members to access an extensive array of unique literary content with just a few clicks, making research more convenient and accessible.

Access to the library is reserved for "credible researchers" who pay an annual membership fee of 500 INR. The criteria for being a "legitimate researcher" may vary. Membership offers the remarkable privilege of borrowing books from this exceptional collection, which is a valuable opportunity given the rarity of the materials. To become a member, you need to visit the library in person and consult with a librarian. The library is open between 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. from Sunday to Friday, and between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

Ratings: 4.5 stars (from 496 reviews)

Address: Teen Murti Bhavan, Teen Murti Marg, Teen Murti Marg Area, New Delhi, Delhi 110011, India

Website: https://www.pmsangrahalaya.gov.in/

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The Delhi Public Library stands as one of India's premier libraries, boasting a vast collection of over 1.6 million volumes, making it a coveted resource in the subcontinent. This library is particularly renowned for its extensive holdings of early Indian writings and legal texts, offering a diverse and comprehensive range of materials.

In addition to its impressive volume count, the library's collection is accessible in various languages, including Hindi, Urdu, and Sanskrit, catering to a wide audience. Furthermore, the library hosts a Braille sub-library to support visually impaired readers. If you wish to learn an Indian language to delve into these texts in their original form, the library provides an online guide for learning Hindi.

To become a full-fledged member of the Delhi Public Library, residents of Delhi must provide proof of their residency. Alternatively, you can opt for temporary membership, which spans six months and requires you to furnish a passport or student ID from your institution, along with a refundable security deposit of Rs 1,000. Simply complete the enrollment form and submit it to the library to gain membership. Borrowing privileges are granted to subscribers/members, but non-members are welcome to explore the library's offerings.

Now is the perfect time to discover the nearest Delhi Public Library branch to you. While their operating hours may vary, it's common for these branches to close between 6 and 7 p.m.

Ratings: 4.2 stars (from 446 reviews)

Address: Railway Station, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Marg, opp. Old Delhi, Kaccha Bagh Area, Old Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006, India

Website: https://dpl.gov.in/

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The Parliament Library of India is the ultimate destination for in-depth research on Indian politics and state affairs. It houses a wealth of information in its Acts and Bills, Gazettes, and Debates sections, featuring legislative documents, committee reports, and public discussions from the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and state legislatures. Additionally, you can find acts and parliamentary materials from various foreign countries.

The library offers an extensive collection of books and journals in India's diverse local languages, encompassing almost all official languages of India. This linguistic diversity ensures a comprehensive resource for scholars and researchers interested in Indian politics and governance.

Don't miss the opportunity to explore the library's striking tower, designed by the renowned Indian engineer Raj Rewal. It's a sight to behold and worth a visit in its own right.

To access this invaluable resource, you need to apply for a researcher pass if you are not a parliament member, an approved press gallery member, or an Indian state official. Whether you are an Indian scholar or a foreign researcher, you can request access. Foreign researchers only need to provide a statement from their institution and coordinate with embassies or high command in advance.

To learn more about the application process and obtain an application form for a researcher pass, visit the Parliament Library's website. They provide all the necessary information in accordance with their established norms, ensuring easy access to this treasure trove of knowledge.

Ratings: 4.5 stars (from 85 reviews)

Address: J694+9MP, Talkatora Road, Sansad Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rakab Ganj, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India

Website: https://parliamentlibraryindia.nic.in/ebooks.aspx

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