History’s House

Though the library,set up in 1902,was shifted out of the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) headquarters at 1 Janpath in 1985 because of space constraints,and accommodated in the new building at the National Archives of India,Annexe Building,it has failed to draw visitors. This,however,is something that Dr BR Ambedkar had pointed out in his entry in the library’s visitor book in 1954.

“Being interested in ancient Indian history,I have been a regular borrower of books on this subject from this library. Although the library is well stocked with books on ancient India,the collection could be much bigger than what it is. It is a pity that the Government of India has taken very little interest in this library. It should be like the British Museum. The positioning in which it is housed is the worst that could be conceived of for a library. If the government cannot find money from its treasury,it may float a lottery and use the proceeds for the library,” he wrote.

While the space for the library was eventually increased,it continues to get few visitors. A walk through the steel almirahs housing books that date back as far as the 18th century,one finds ancient India come alive.

For the archaeologist who wishes to look back at one of the earliest first-hand accounts of the country’s archaeological assets,the section containing original Cunningham reports throw open 19th Century India. Alexander Cunningham,the first Director General of ASI,following his tours across the country,wrote a 23-volume series from 1862 to 1885. Excavation reports and other conservation manuals of the ASI also find place here.

One can also find here rare books like the Shahnama by Firdausi written in Persian,Ayeen Akbery,translated by Francis Gladwin (printed in 1800),Memoirs of Zahir-ed-din Muhammed Baber,written by him in Jaghatai Turki and translated partly by John Leyden and partly by William Erkskine (printed in 1826).

The library has an impressive collection of journals including Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society from 1834 onwards,Journal of the Siam Society,British Journal Photographic Almanac and even some rare Chinese and German issues.

“ This library has one of the best collections in the country and could be a great source of information for all scholars,archaeologists,historians and general readers. Though we have foreign scholars and researchers and even university students coming in,the numbers are few. The services are free of cost and visitors can easily come in by getting a general pass issued at the entry from 9 am to 5.30 pm on weekdays. Though books are not issued to the visitors,one can consult them and get photocopies,” says N K Bar,director of the library. “Considering we have such a vast collection,this should be used well.”

A digitisation drive has been initiated as part of which 12,260 books have already been converted into DVDs but the books that were sent for the process,have come back in a worse state,officials say.

On the 50th anniversary of ASI,Ancient India,a Bulletin of the ASI,noted “(John) Marshall from the very beginning laid emphasis on the necessity of building of a good library for the Survey and even in 1903-04 made a provision of Rs 4,000 for the purpose.”

Now,in its 150th anniversary,it could be an opportune time for the ASI to pull out the library from its anonymity.