Lok Sabha Question No. 1328 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-08
Subject: Functioning of Rampur Raza Library
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Mohibbullah

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No.1328 TO BE ANSWERED ON 08.12.2025

## FUNCTIONING OF RAMPUR RAZA LIBRARY

## 1328.  SHRI MOHIBBULLAH:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- a) the present status of Rampur Raza Library including its functioning and activities;
- b) the details of the appointment process and qualifications required for the Director of Rampur Raza Library;
- c) whether  the  Government  has  any  plans  to  upgrade  or  modernize  the  library's infrastructure and services; and
- d) the details of the steps taken/being taken to promote the library's collections and make them more accessible to researchers and the public?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- a) Rampur Raza Library, an autonomous institution under the aegis of Ministry of Culture, Government  of  India,  was  founded  on  7 th October,  1774  and  later  declared  as  an institution of National Importance under the Rampur Raza Library Act, 1975.

The  library  preserves  a  collection  of  17,000  rare  items,  including  150  illustrated manuscripts  with  around  4,000  paintings,  1,000  miniatures  in  35  albums,  and  205 handwritten  palm-leaf  manuscripts.  It  also  houses  nearly  2,000  specimens  of  Islamic calligraphy compiled in 84 albums, along with 300 artefacts and 1,362 historical coins.

It also contains around 67,000 printed books, as well as a rich and diverse collection of periodicals.

- b) As per the Recruitment Rules, the post of Director of Rampur Raza Library is filled up by Deputation (including short term contract). The qualifications required are as under:

## Essential qualification:

- (i) A  renowned  scholar  in  Arabic  or  Persian  or  Urdu  or  Hindi  or  Sanskrit  or  History preferably  in  Medieval  History  or  Islamic  Studies  or  similar  discipline  of  Social Science;
- (ii) possessing Master degree in any of the above disciplines from a recognized University or institute;
- (iii) Degree of Ph.D. in any of the subjects  as mentioned under the essential qualification above;

## Desirable qualification:

- (i) Degree or diploma in Library Science or Library and Information Science or Computer Science or Data Processing from a recognized University or institute;
- (ii) having published books or research papers on the relevant topic; and
- (iii) having  relevant  experience  of  teaching  or  research  or  administration  in  a  comparable library, University or other teaching or research institution.

The appointment process involves issuing an open advertisement, followed by screening and selection through an interview by Selection Committee. The name of the selected candidate is thereafter submitted for approval of Competent authority.

(c) Rampur Raza Library is fully funded by Ministry of Culture. The funds are also utilized for upgradation and modernization of the library's infrastructure and services.

(d)    Rampur  Raza  Library  digitizes  its  Manuscripts,  printed  books  &  other  collection  to promote  the  library's  collections  and  make  them  more  accessible  to  researchers  and  the public.