रामपुर की ऐतिहासिक रजा लाइब्रेरी का विस्तार कर इसे 43 एकड़ में विकसित किया जाएगा। परियोजना के तहत इसे अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्तर के अध्ययन, शोध और धरोहर संरक्षण केंद्र के रूप में विकसित करने की तैयारी चल रही है।
Raza Library and Museum, one of India’s most prominent cultural and intellectual heritage institutions, is set to be redeveloped and expanded. Currently operating within a limited section of the fort, the institution will be extended across the entire 43-acre Rampur Fort complex. Work has begun on plans to transform the library into a major centre for global studies, research, language education and cultural heritage preservation.
Established in 1774, Raza Library and Museum is regarded as one of the country’s most important cultural and intellectual heritage institutions. Significant steps are now being taken to expand its scope. The library, which currently operates on approximately five acres, will be allotted the full 43-acre area of the Rampur Fort complex.
The expansion plan aims not only to increase the physical infrastructure but also to develop the institution into an international-level centre for study and research. Plans are also being prepared to introduce study programmes related to different countries and languages.
Raza Library is internationally known for its collection of rare manuscripts, historical documents, paintings and calligraphy. The institution preserves nearly 17,000 manuscripts, including many invaluable works that are several centuries old.
The library houses more than 500 rare copies of the Quran dating from the seventh to the nineteenth centuries. Around 300 of these copies are written and decorated with gold illumination. A rare seventh-century Quran written in Kufic script on camel skin is also preserved in the collection. It is said that only two copies of this manuscript exist in the world.
The collection also includes an illustrated Persian translation of the Ramayana, documents related to the history of Mongolia, and more than 60,000 printed books.
To advance the expansion project, the Central Public Works Department and IIT Roorkee have completed a safety audit of the buildings. The reports have been submitted to the library administration and the district administration.
The process of relocating certain government institutions and offices currently operating within the complex is also underway. Notices have been issued to several departments, while action is continuing to obtain the required No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
Anandiben Patel, Chairperson of the Raza Library Board and Governor of Uttar Pradesh, decided in October 2024 to make the entire fort complex available for the library. Following this decision, formal procedures related to the project gathered pace.
According to officials, a detailed implementation plan for the library’s new development will be carried out after all administrative approvals and state cabinet clearance are obtained. Upon completion, the project is expected to establish Raza Library as a leading centre for study, research and cultural heritage preservation at both the national and global levels.
