Indo Islamic Heritage
The State Central Library in Hyderabad, also known as Kutub Khana Asafia, is a renowned public library in the city. Established in 1891, it initially opened in Abids, where the General Post Office now stands. In 1936, the library moved to its present location, and it has since become one of the most prominent structures in Hyderabad. The building housing the library was awarded heritage status in 1998 by INTACH, Hyderabad, recognizing its cultural and architectural significance. The library remains a vital resource for the public, offering access to a vast collection of books and materials in various languages, including Telugu, Urdu, and English.
The State Central Library, initially set up in 1891 as the personal library of the distinguished scholar Moulvi Syed Hussain Bilgrami, holds a rich historical legacy in Hyderabad. Originally known as Kutub Khana Asafia, it was later renamed in honor of the Asaf Jah dynasty, which ruled the Hyderabad State for several centuries. The library's evolution continued with its relocation to its current, more imposing structure in 1936. The foundation stone of this new building was laid in 1932 by Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad. The project was part of a broader vision to reshape the city's infrastructure, particularly following the devastating 1908 Musi river floods, which had caused significant damage. A significant sum of Rs 5 lakh was allocated, along with approximately 2.97 acres of land at Afzalgunj, for the construction of the new library building. The architectural design was crafted by the British architect Vincent Jerome Esch, while the actual construction work was closely supervised by Aziz Ali, the state architect at the time. The library building's design was part of a larger initiative to redesign the Musi riverfront, a project led by M. Visvesvaraya, an eminent engineer and urban planner who had been appointed by the Nizam. The library's relocation to its current location in 1936 coincided with the Silver Jubilee of Nizam VII?s reign, marking a significant milestone in the state's history. The library's importance grew over time, and in 1941, it celebrated its Golden Jubilee, recognizing its contribution to the educational and cultural landscape of Hyderabad. With the passing of the Hyderabad Public Libraries Act in 1955, the Asafia State Library was officially declared as the State Central Library, solidifying its role as a central hub of knowledge for the Hyderabad State. The library continued to grow, and in 1961, an annex building was constructed to accommodate the expanding collection of books and resources. This expansion was crucial to ensuring that the library could meet the increasing demand for educational materials and services, and it remains one of the most significant cultural landmarks in Hyderabad today.
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