Indo Islamic Heritage
The State Central Library (SCL) in Hyderabad, Telangana, is a historic public library known for its rich heritage and architectural grandeur. Originally called Kutub Khana Asafia, it was established in 1891 at a location in Abids, where the General Post Office stands today. In 1936, the library was relocated to its current site in Afzal Gunj, along the banks of the River Musi. The building, recognized for its striking design, was granted heritage status by INTACH, Hyderabad, in 1998.
The State Central Library (SCL) in Hyderabad has a rich history rooted in the scholarly pursuits of Moulvi Syed Hussain Bilgrami, who established it as his personal library in 1891. It was later renamed the Asafia State Library to honor the Asaf Jah dynasty. The library was relocated to its current location in 1936, and the journey to its present grandeur began when the Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, laid the foundation stone for the new building in 1932. For this project, approximately ₹5 lakh was allocated, and 2.97 acres (1.2 hectares) of land in Afzalgunj was earmarked for the construction. The library building was designed by British architect Vincent Jerome Esch, as part of a larger plan by renowned engineer M. Visvesvaraya, who was commissioned to redesign the Musi riverfront after the devastating 1908 floods. The construction was meticulously supervised by Aziz Ali, the then State Architect and Designer, ensuring that the library met the grandeur envisioned by its patrons. The construction culminated in 1936, and the library's relocation to the new building marked the Silver Jubilee of Nizam VII. The library celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1941, marking fifty years of its establishment. In 1955, following the enactment of the Hyderabad Public Libraries Act, the library was officially designated as the State Central Library for Hyderabad State, further solidifying its status as a cornerstone of the state's literary and cultural framework. As the library's collection continued to grow, an annexe building was constructed in 1961 to accommodate the increasing number of books and materials. This expansion reflected the library?s evolving role as a premier repository of knowledge and history, cementing its legacy as a pivotal institution in the state's educational and cultural heritage.
Year of Built: 19th Century
Address: Telangana State Central Library, office of Director of public libraries, 1st floor, state, NH163, Hyderabad, Telangana
Country: India
State: Telangana
District: Hyderabad
Pincode: 500012
Longitude: 78.4783
Latitude: 17.3742