Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library
A national treasure in Patna, housing over 21,000 rare manuscripts and a vast collection of books, preserving centuries of heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A national treasure in Patna, housing over 21,000 rare manuscripts and a vast collection of books, preserving centuries of heritage.
"Discover a treasure trove of rare Arabic manuscripts and centuries of Islamic and South Asian heritage."
🤫 Maintain Silence
Keep your voice down to respect the quiet study environment.
🧳 Bag Check Required
Submit your bags and belongings at the reception before entering.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rare Manuscript Collection
Main Archives
Explore over 21,000 priceless manuscripts in Arabic, Persian, and Turkish, many unique to this library.
Indo-Islamic Architecture
Library Building
Admire the beautiful Indo-Islamic (Mughal) architectural style of this historic institution.
Tarikh-i Khandan-i Timuriyya
Exhibition Hall
See the exceptionally preserved 16th-century manuscript detailing the Timurid dynasty.
Arabic Medical Texts
Special Collections
Discover historical Arabic medical texts, including 'Kitab Al-Tasrif' by Al-Zahrawi.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to a Literary Treasure
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Maintain Silence
Keep your voice down to respect the quiet study environment.
🧳 Bag Check Required
Submit your bags and belongings at the reception before entering.
📚 Research Friendly
Ideal for scholars and students; librarians are very helpful.
💧 RO Water & AC
Enjoy cool AC rooms and purified RO water for comfort.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Maintain Silence
Keep your voice down to respect the quiet study environment.
🧳 Bag Check Required
Submit your bags and belongings at the reception before entering.
📚 Research Friendly
Ideal for scholars and students; librarians are very helpful.
💧 RO Water & AC
Enjoy cool AC rooms and purified RO water for comfort.
🏛️ Architectural Gem
Take time to appreciate the Indo-Islamic design of the building.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library for its vast collection of rare books and manuscripts, its peaceful atmosphere, and the helpfulness of its staff. The beautiful Indo-Islamic architecture is also a significant draw. Some minor inconveniences include the need to submit belongings and maintaining absolute silence, which is understandable for a library of this caliber.
"Good library to visit. Hear you can find a lot of books and spend time with them in peace.
Outsiders are allowed...you have to submit your belongings at the reception and be quite.
Every person I met hear are polite and helpful."
shikha bharti
"In this library, every things is better. All type of book is available in this library, shamshad sir is librarian of cursion reading room , he is very polite and humble. He is cooperates to everybody. Best quality of RO water and AC room."
Shahid Imran
"Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library, located in Patna, Bihar, is one of the national libraries of India. It was opened to the public on the 29th of October in 1891 by HMJ Sir Khan Bahadur Khuda Bakhsh. Its collection started with 4,000 of Bakhsh's manuscripts, of which he inherited 1,400 from his father, Sir Mohammed Bakhsh, a lawyer from Patna.
The library currently has a very significant collection of Islamic, Sanskrit, Persian, Urdu, Hindi, and Kashmiri manuscripts, and art. This includes 35,000 manuscripts (21,000 rare manuscripts and 14,000 small manuscripts), 2,082,904 printed books in Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Turkish, Pushto, Sanskrit, Hindi, Punjabi, English, French, German, Russian, and Japanese. It also curates more than 2,000 paintings made during the Rajput and Mughal eras in India. The library has about 5,000,000 items in total.
It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and is governed by a board with the governor of Bihar. The library is also a designated Manuscript Conservation Centre (MCC) under the National Mission for Manuscripts."
Altamash
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The library is located in the Patna University Campus, near Ashok Rajpath, Khajanchi Road. You can reach it by auto-rickshaw or taxi from anywhere in Patna.
Yes, it's a prominent landmark in Patna, easily accessible by local transport. It's situated close to the banks of the Ganges.
It's located within the Patna University Campus and is near Sabjibagh and Khajanchi Road.
Yes, ride-sharing apps are widely used in Patna and can be a convenient way to reach the library.
Information on dedicated parking is limited, but local transport options are readily available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library is free for all visitors.
The library is generally open to the public, but it's advisable to check for any temporary closures or specific visiting hours before your visit.
Yes, outsiders are allowed to visit the library. You'll need to submit your belongings at the reception.
Yes, personal belongings like bags are not allowed inside the reading rooms and must be submitted at the reception.
Photography rules can vary; it's best to inquire at the reception or with staff about current policies.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can explore a vast collection of rare manuscripts, printed books, and paintings, and admire the Indo-Islamic architecture.
Absolutely, it's a prime location for researchers with a significant collection of historical texts. Librarians are known to be polite and helpful.
The library is built in the Indo-Islamic (Mughal) architectural style.
Yes, the library offers AC rooms and RO purified water, making it comfortable for visitors.
The library holds over 21,000 rare manuscripts in Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Sanskrit, Urdu, and Hindi, among others.
🎫 📚 Collections & History
It was opened to the public on October 29, 1891, by Khan Bahadur Khuda Bakhsh.
It houses a treasure trove of rare Arabic manuscripts and centuries of Islamic and South Asian heritage, preserving India's literary and cultural history.
The library has a significant collection, including over 21,000 rare manuscripts and 14,000 smaller manuscripts.
Yes, it houses exceptional manuscripts like the 'Tarikh-i Khandan-i Timuriyya' and 'Kitab Al-Tasrif'.
The collection includes manuscripts and books in Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Sanskrit, Urdu, Hindi, Kashmiri, and many European languages.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great opportunity to introduce children to the concept of libraries and the importance of preserving history. Remember to emphasize the need for quiet behavior and perhaps focus on visually interesting exhibits like the paintings if available. Consider making it a short visit, focusing on the main halls and the exterior architecture. The library's serene atmosphere might be best suited for older children who can appreciate the quiet environment. Ensure you follow all visitor guidelines, including the bag check, to make the experience smooth for everyone.
📚 Researchers & Academics
Visitors can expect comfortable research conditions with AC rooms and RO water.
Planning your research focus beforehand and communicating with the library staff can help maximize your time and access to relevant materials. 🚶 Solo Travelers
You can wander through the halls, admire the architecture, and delve into the stories held within the ancient texts at your own pace. The helpful staff and the opportunity to engage with unique historical artifacts make it a rewarding solo excursion. Remember to be mindful of the library's rules, such as submitting your belongings, to ensure a smooth and respectful visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Legacy of Knowledge: The Founding of Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library
The library's architecture itself is a significant draw, reflecting the elegant Indo-Islamic (Mughal) style.
This historical building provides a fitting backdrop for the invaluable collection it houses. The institution is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, underscoring its national importance. Its mission extends beyond mere preservation, actively engaging in digitizing and promoting access to these historical documents. Today, the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library is more than just a building; it's a vibrant center for research and a custodian of centuries of cultural and literary heritage. Visitors can explore not only manuscripts but also a substantial collection of printed books and art, making it a comprehensive resource for understanding the past.
Exploring the Treasures: Manuscripts and Beyond
Beyond manuscripts, the library boasts an impressive collection of approximately 2.5 lakh printed books in numerous languages, including English, French, German, and Russian, reflecting a global reach.
Furthermore, it curates over 2,000 paintings from the Rajput and Mughal eras, offering a visual journey into India's artistic past. This diverse collection makes the library a crucial resource for understanding the intellectual and artistic history of the region. 
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