Amid the bustling roads of Chandni Chowk, one may long to find a place just to escape from the ‘chowk culture’ ingrained in the very foundations of these old businesses. Before our trip dusked to an end, we decided to meditate a bit. Even when ones’ muscles are too tired to travel any further but the mind desires more knowledge then one looks for the comfort of a book in a peaceful corner; as the American author, Jorge Luis Borges says, “I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.” After ambling in those streets while keeping track of the destination under the scorching sun, I will say he’s right! To rediscover more secrets embedded beneath the surface of Chandni Chowk, we decided to drop by the Hardayal Municipal Public Library, which is now known as Delhi Public Library.
The library is situated in the heart of Chandni Chowk and is easily accessible by various means of transportation, including railways. The tranquility inside this century old library is unique. With no air conditioner – the air is cool and filled with musty and acidic smell of old books. Fans with thick blades hanging from the ceiling evoke a colonial- era atmosphere. The thick density of the walls cancels out the cacophony of the market, presenting a soothing space for the readers like an oasis of peace unless someone drags a chair.
The grey iron racks attached to the walls hold a collection of 1.70 lakh books, including 20 books that are among the rarest in the world, and around 7000 rare books. The library has been segmented into various sections which include a section for old cinematic and musical productions as well.
When asked about its history, the staff informed us about how the British, who undertook a month-long voyage from Britain to India for centuries, would carry books, and sometimes, their own travelogues on the trip. But when they returned home, they would leave those books behind in India, which is how a small library sprouted in the 18th century. In 1862, this small library was set up as a reading club for Englishmen which, in 1902, was renamed as Delhi Public Library from the Institute Library. It was shifted to another building in Kaccha Bagh due to shortage of space. In 1941, the library was built near Gandhi Ground in Company Bagh and was renamed as Hardinge Municipal Library – to commemorate Lord Hardinge’s escape from a bombing during a procession in Company Bagh. In 1970, Hardinge Library became Hardayal Library.
Books dated before 1960 are not available for issue, but can be read in the library with permission and under surveillance. With the help of government funding, books are in the process of being conserved and old archives are being digitalized for easier access. Of the 6,575 ‘heritage’ books published between 1630- 1971, the oldest surviving book in the library is “A Relation of Some Years” by Trauaile Begunne, written in 1634.
While going through those racks, a wave of nostalgia hit me as I noticed all the books I used to read as a kid. Being a cinephile and a fan of vintage music, the interaction room in the library added an extra element of interest for me. Wooden cupboards stacked with cassettes and VHS tapes accompanied with a box television personifies the old fashion setting of the site. Going through the titles of those records was one of the most exciting things for me as not only did it improve my playlist but also became a subject of conversation with the adults of the house, later that evening. It was a memorable visit for me and I’m sure it will be for every bibliophile as well.
Due to its rich collection of books, Delhi Public Library is like a haven for local students who aspire to excel in exams like civil services. The membership fee being so paltry in nature, has over 700 dedicated members, who gather here regularly to take a break from the urban discord outside. With the present day internet facilities available to all, people have lost interest in visiting libraries for reading of any sort. This library is a reminder to every reader that this is not just a library, but a part of Delhi’s rich history.
Written By-
Siya Singh
Representing:
Arshiya Mahajan
Yashve Singhal
Kashvi Chandok
Kangana Agarwal
Rediscovering Delhi 