Detailed History
The Hardinge Library, today remembered as an iconic part of the ‘Hardinge Municipal Library’ or the ‘Delhi Public Library’, is located near Nai Sarak in the bustling Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi. The history of this library’s establishment is intertwined with a highly sensational and historic incident from the British era.
In 1912, when the capital of India was shifted from Calcutta (now Kolkata) to Delhi, the then Viceroy, Lord Hardinge, was passing through Chandni Chowk riding on an elephant. During this procession, freedom fighters (including Rash Behari Bose and Bhai Balmukund) threw a bomb at him. Lord Hardinge was injured in the attack but survived. Following this historic event, to celebrate his survival and to honor him, the citizens of Delhi along with the British government raised a fund. Utilizing this fund, this grand library was constructed in the year 1916 and was named ‘Hardinge Library‘. After independence, it was renamed the ‘Hardinge Municipal Library‘. This library stands as a living witness to the intellectual and political history of Delhi, where prominent freedom fighters and scholars of the country once used to visit and study.
Detailed Architecture
Exterior Architecture :-
The building of the Hardinge Library is an excellent specimen of British-Colonial and Renaissance architectural styles. Built with a blend of cream and red sandstone, this two-story building carves out a distinct identity for itself amidst the heavy crowds of Chandni Chowk. The facade of the building features massive, towering pillars and semi-circular arches, giving it a majestic and solemn appearance. The intricate wooden carving on its windows and the high ventilators reflect the deep architectural acumen of that era. The old clock tower installed above the main entrance and the inscribed name of the library still evoke nostalgia for a bygone era.
Interior Architecture :-
Stepping inside the library feels like stepping back in time. The internal layout is remarkably peaceful and spacious. High ceilings and heavy, durable bookshelves and furniture crafted from teak wood are the highlights of the interiors. The floors are adorned with vintage mosaic tiles. The main reading hall is vast, housing long wooden tables and comfortable chairs, ensuring readers can study in absolute tranquility. The crowning glory of this library is its collection of hundreds of thousands of rare books, manuscripts, and old newspapers, now yellowed with age, preserved carefully inside the glass cabinets. Large windows designed for ample air and light keep the indoor environment well-ventilated and highly conducive to reading.
Travel Guide & Routes
To plan your visit to the Hardinge Library and experience its serene atmosphere, please refer to the comprehensive details below.
- Ticket and Entry Fee :– Entry to the library is completely Free. No tickets or entry fees are charged if you wish to sit and read or explore its historical archives. However, a formal membership is required to borrow books.
- Visiting Time :– The library remains open from 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM.
- Opening and Closing Days :– The library functions from Monday to Saturday and remains closed on Sundays and all national holidays.
- How to Reach :–
- By Metro :– The easiest way to reach here is via the Delhi Metro. The nearest station is the ‘Chandni Chowk’ Metro Station (Yellow Line). Exiting the station, you can take a short 5 to 7-minute walk towards Nai Sarak or Gandhi Maidan to reach the library.
- By Bus :– You can board any DTC bus heading towards Old Delhi Railway Station or Chandni Chowk. Multiple Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) routes connect directly to this area.
- By Auto/Rickshaw :– You can easily hail an e-rickshaw or a cycle rickshaw from any part of Old Delhi to reach the library. It is highly recommended to avoid bringing private cars due to the narrow streets and severe lack of parking spaces.
Photography Spots, Local Food, and Famous Markets
Photography Spots :-
- The Main Front Facade :– Standing outside the library, its towering British-era pillars and majestic arches provide an excellent background for a classic vintage photograph.
- The Central Reading Hall :– Inside, the rows of vintage wooden shelves filled with antique books and the massive study tables offer a beautifully classic and academic aesthetic (prior permission from the staff is required for indoor photography).
- The Vintage Staircase :– The ornamental wooden and iron staircase leading to the upper floor also serves as a brilliant backdrop.
Local Food :-
Since the library is located in Chandni Chowk, it is an absolute paradise for food lovers.
- Natraj Dahi Bhalle :– Located a short walk away near Bhai Mati Das Chowk, do not miss out on tasting the world-famous Dahi Bhallas of Natraj.
- Paranthe Wali Gali :– Head over to the legendary Paranthe Wali Gali nearby to savor a huge variety of deep-fried paranthas served with pure desi ghee.
- Old Famous Jalebi Wala :– Don’t forget to indulge in the piping hot, thick, syrup-dripping jalebis at the corner of the main Chandni Chowk road.
Famous Markets Nearby :-
- Nai Sarak :– Located right next to the library, this market is India’s premier wholesale hub for textbooks, novels, stationery, and academic literature.
- Chandni Chowk Main Market :– A massive historical wholesale market renowned for textiles, sarees, designer lehengas, and electronics.
- Kinari Bazar & Dariba Kalan :– If you are looking to shop for wedding trimmings, borders, laces, or traditional silver jewelry, these nearby markets are unmatched.
Interesting Facts :-
- Born out of a Viceroy Attack :– The library was built using public and state funds specifically to commemorate Lord Hardinge’s miraculous survival after a assassination attempt in 1912.
- Treasure Trove of Rare Literature :– The library houses over 100,000 books, including incredibly rare, ancient manuscripts written in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, and Urdu.
- Over a Century Old :– Constructed in 1916, this building is more than 110 years old and continues to function actively under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
- Post-Independence Name Change :– After India achieved independence, the original British name wasn’t completely discarded; rather, the word ‘Municipal’ was added, transferring its custodianship to the local municipal administration.
Important Questions and Answer :-
Question 1:– Where exactly is the Hardinge Library located in Delhi?
Answer:- The library is situated in the famous Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi, right next to Nai Sarak and close to Gandhi Maidan.
Question 2:- Is there any entry fee to visit or read inside the library?
Answer:- No, access to the library and its reading room is completely free for the general public.
Question 3:– Which is the nearest metro station to the Hardinge Library?
Answer:- The nearest metro station is the ‘Chandni Chowk‘ Metro Station, located on the Yellow Line of the Delhi Metro network.
Question 4:– When and why was the Hardinge Library established?
Answer:- It was established in 1916. It was built using a fund raised by citizens and officials to honor the then Viceroy Lord Hardinge after he survived a bomb attack.
Question 5:– Are there any antique or rare books available in this library?
Answer:- Yes, the library possesses a highly unique and invaluable collection of historical manuscripts and ancient books tracking history, politics, and classical literature.
“Amidst the chaotic symphony of Chandni Chowk, the Hardinge Library stands as a tranquil intellectual oasis, silently preserving a century of history and the timeless scent of old books.”