Mahfooz Alam/Patna 

Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library of Patna, Bihar, is one of the few libraries in the world with a large collection of rare manuscripts. Contrary to the perception that the library houses only Arabic, Persian, and Urdu manuscripts, it has some important Hinduism-related manuscripts.

Speaking with Awaz-The Voice, the academicians said that if one wants to understand India, the best way is to study the collection of Khuda Bakhsh Library. This library also is a treasure trove for those seeking to explore inclusive Indian civilization.

Home to about 21,000 rare manuscripts Khuda Bakhsh Library is the gift of Khuda Bakhsh Khan to the scholars. This includes more than 250 manuscripts of Hindu religion and Hindu culture which the library has kept with utmost respect and security.

These manuscripts contain versions of Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, and Mahabharata. There are also inscriptions on copper plates Peepal leaves and rare paintings of South Indian deities. Seeing how well these are preserved in the library, it’s hard for anyone to imagine that these are articles of antiquity.

Ancient scriptures related to Hindu dharma

It also has a painting of gold. 

According to Dr. Shaista Badar, former director of Khuda Bakhsh Library, Khuda Bakhsh Library says the library is a major center for researchers studying Sanatan Dharma and Hindu culture.

Many of the Hinduism-related books have also been translated by the library. There are many manuscripts related to Hinduism in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu which have been translated into Hindi and English. Besides, the library is also translating Sanskrit manuscripts.

Dr. Shaista Badar says that thelibrary has books that give a detailed history of the Hindu festivals. These books are also being translated.

Dr. Shaista Badar says that Khuda Bakhsh is famous all over the world for its unique cultural heritage and ancient documents. The Library has many important books which are considered basic and historical books of Hinduism.

Khuda Bakhsh Library. Dr. Shaista Badar and Dr. Abubakar Rizvi (Inset)

A Ramayana translated by Abul Fazal is also available to researchers in the library. She said that the manuscripts of gods and goddesses are masterpieces of South Indian art.

Shaista Bidar says there are many other important documents and manuscripts of Hinduism. She said that there are several hundred-year-old Purana copper plates and manuscripts written on Peepal leaves.

A Manuscript in the Library

She says the digitization of manuscripts is in progress in the library. “I am happy to inform you that about 40% digitizationof manuscripts has been completed.”

Professor Dr. Abubakar Rizvi of TPS College says that the manuscripts of Hinduism in the Khuda Bakhsh Library shed light on various aspects of Hinduism, religious rituals, ethics, and life.

He says that the Khuda Bakhsh Library's manuscripts related to Hinduism are not limited to religious teachings only, but are a complete cultural heritage that reflects Hindu civilization and history. 

He said that reading these books can play an important role in increasing the knowledge of future generations as well as their religious and cultural identity. Abu Bakr Rizvi says that Khuda Bakhsh Library holds an important placein the entire subcontinent due to its various features. 

No other library has the distinction of keeping such a large collection of Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Sanskrit, Hindi, and English together, and not only this, but no library in Asia has such a large collection of manuscripts.

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Abu Bakr Rizvi says that apart from Hindi and Sanskrit manuscripts, Khuda Bakhsh Library has rare manuscripts written especially on copper plates and Peepal leaves. There are rare manuscripts related to Hinduism and Buddhism here.