The development of libraries in India has a long and rich history. From ancient manuscript collections and centres of learning to modern digital libraries, the Indian library system has passed through several important stages. Various committees and commissions have also played an important role in the development of public, academic and special libraries.
1. Historical Development of Libraries in India
A. Libraries in Ancient India
In ancient India, libraries were mainly associated with universities, monasteries, temples and other centres of learning. Knowledge was preserved mainly in the form of manuscripts written on materials such as palm leaves and birch bark.
Some important ancient centres of learning were:
- Takshashila
- Nalanda
- Vikramashila
- Odantapuri
- Valabhi
Nalanda was one of the most famous centres of Buddhist learning and scholarship. It had a large collection of manuscripts. Traditional accounts mention three important library buildings known as Ratnasagara, Ratnodadhi and Ratnaranjaka.
B. Libraries During the Medieval Period
During the medieval period, libraries developed around royal courts, religious institutions, madrasas and centres of learning. The rulers and scholars of the Sultanate and Mughal periods encouraged the collection, preservation and translation of books and manuscripts.
- Humayun maintained a royal library.
- Akbar developed an important royal library.
- Akbar encouraged scholars and translators.
- Several Sanskrit works were translated into Persian.
- Libraries were also attached to madrasas and religious institutions.
Libraries during this period were mainly accessible to rulers, scholars, religious leaders and educated people rather than the general public.
C. Development During the British Period
The foundation of the modern library movement in India developed gradually during British rule. Libraries were established by educational institutions, government organisations, learned societies and private organisations.
Asiatic Society
The Asiatic Society was established at Calcutta in 1784. Its library became an important centre for Oriental literature, manuscripts and research.
Calcutta Public Library
The Calcutta Public Library was established in 1836. It was an important milestone in the history of public libraries in India.
Imperial Library
The Imperial Library was established in 1903 by combining important library collections. After independence, it became the National Library of India.
Role of Dr. S. R. Ranganathan
Dr. S. R. Ranganathan played a major role in the development of the Indian library movement. He is popularly known as the Father of Library Science in India.
He strongly supported:
- Free public library services
- Public library legislation
- Rural and village libraries
- Professional education
- Library cooperation
- Resource sharing
- Development of a national library system
Madras Public Libraries Act, 1946
The Madras Public Libraries Act, 1946 was an important landmark in the history of public libraries in India. It was the first public library legislation in India.
The Act provided a legal foundation for organising public library services in the then Madras Province.
D. Libraries After Independence
After India's independence in 1947, library development received greater attention from the Government of India and state governments.
Important developments included:
- 1948: The Imperial Library became the National Library.
- 1951: The Delhi Public Library was established.
- 1953: INSDOC was established.
- Library development was included in various Five-Year Plans.
- University and college libraries expanded with the growth of higher education.
- Special libraries and documentation centres developed to support research.
- Library automation, computerisation and networking gradually became important.
- During the 1980s, attention was given to a National Policy on Library and Information System (NAPLIS).
2. Committees and Commissions on Libraries in India
Several committees and commissions have contributed to the development of libraries and Library and Information Science education in India.
| Year | Committee / Commission | Chairman / Head | Main Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1948–49 | University Education Commission | Dr. S. R. Radhakrishnan | University education and libraries |
| 1957 | Advisory Committee for Libraries | K. P. Sinha | Public libraries |
| 1957 | UGC Library Committee | Dr. S. R. Ranganathan | University and college libraries |
| 1961 | Review Committee | Dr. S. R. Ranganathan | Library education |
| 1964–66 | Education Commission (Kothari Commission) | Dr. D. S. Kothari | Education and libraries |
| 1972 | Working Group on Development of Public Libraries | Government of India | Public library development |
| 1983 | Working Group on Modernisation of Library Services and Informatics | Government of India | Modernisation and technology |
| 1985–86 | Committee on National Policy on Library and Information Systems | Prof. D. P. Chattopadhyaya | National library policy |
| 1986–88 | Empowered Committee | Prof. D. P. Chattopadhyaya | NAPLIS implementation |
| 2005 | National Knowledge Commission | Sam Pitroda | Knowledge infrastructure and libraries |
3. University Education Commission, 1948–49
The University Education Commission was established in 1948 under the chairmanship of Dr. S. R. Radhakrishnan.
The Commission examined higher education in India and recognised the importance of university libraries for teaching, learning and research. It emphasised the need for properly organised and adequately supported university libraries.
4. Advisory Committee for Libraries – Sinha Committee, 1957
The Government of India appointed the Advisory Committee for Libraries in 1957 under the chairmanship of K. P. Sinha. It is popularly known as the Sinha Committee.
The committee examined the development of public library services and recommended a systematic public library network.
Major Recommendations
- Development of a nationwide public library system.
- Free public library service.
- Public library legislation by states.
- Expansion of library services in rural areas.
- Development of libraries at different administrative levels.
- Adequate financial support.
- Proper training of library professionals.
A broad hierarchy of public libraries was suggested:
National Library → State Central Library → District Library → Block Library → Panchayat/Village Library
5. UGC Library Committee, 1957
The University Grants Commission (UGC) appointed a Library Committee in 1957 under the chairmanship of Dr. S. R. Ranganathan.
The committee mainly dealt with the development of university and college libraries.
Its recommendations covered:
- Library buildings
- Library collections
- Library staff
- Library finance
- Library administration
- Library services
- Professional education
- Research in Library and Information Science
6. Review Committee, 1961
A Review Committee under Dr. S. R. Ranganathan examined issues related to teaching and research in Library Science in Indian universities.
Its work contributed to the improvement and development of Library and Information Science education in India.
7. Education Commission – Kothari Commission, 1964–66
The Education Commission (1964–66) was headed by Dr. D. S. Kothari and is therefore known as the Kothari Commission.
The Commission examined the Indian education system and recognised libraries as an important part of education.
It emphasised:
- Well-equipped educational libraries
- Adequate library collections
- Qualified library staff
- Better library facilities
- Support for teaching and research
8. Working Group on Development of Public Libraries, 1972
A Working Group on Development of Public Libraries was constituted in 1972.
Its major concern was the expansion and improvement of public library services. It examined issues such as public library organisation, financial support, expansion of library services and development of library networks.
9. Working Group on Modernisation of Library Services and Informatics, 1983
The Working Group on Modernisation of Library Services and Informatics was constituted in 1983, reflecting the growing importance of information technology.
Its focus included:
- Computerisation
- Modernisation of library services
- Information systems
- Documentation services
- Scientific and technical information
- Application of information technology
This period helped prepare Indian libraries for the later development of library automation and networking.
10. Chattopadhyaya Committee – NAPLIS, 1985–86
The Government of India constituted the Committee on National Policy on Library and Information Systems in 1985 under the chairmanship of Prof. D. P. Chattopadhyaya.
The committee submitted its report in 1986. Its recommendations were associated with the National Policy on Library and Information System (NAPLIS).
Major Objectives
- Development of an integrated national library and information system.
- Strengthening of public, academic and special libraries.
- Promotion of public library legislation.
- Improvement of professional manpower.
- Development of Library and Information Science education.
- Promotion of library cooperation and resource sharing.
- Use of modern information technology.
- Improved access to information resources.
An Empowered Committee was subsequently associated with examining the recommendations and preparing an action plan for implementation.
11. National Knowledge Commission, 2005
The National Knowledge Commission (NKC) was established in 2005 under the chairmanship of Sam Pitroda.
The Commission recognised libraries as an important part of India's knowledge infrastructure.
It emphasised:
- Modernisation of libraries
- Computerisation
- Networking
- Digital resources
- Improved access to information
- Strengthening public libraries
- Development of knowledge infrastructure
12. Library Development Through Five-Year Plans
After independence, library development was also supported through India's Five-Year Plans. Government planning helped libraries obtain support for buildings, collections, equipment, staff and services.
Important areas of development included:
- Public library development
- University and college libraries
- Special libraries
- Library buildings and equipment
- Book and journal acquisition
- Professional manpower
- Automation and networking
- Information and documentation services
13. Important Milestones in Indian Library History
| Year | Important Event |
|---|---|
| 1784 | Asiatic Society established at Calcutta |
| 1836 | Calcutta Public Library established |
| 1903 | Imperial Library established |
| 1946 | Madras Public Libraries Act passed |
| 1948 | Imperial Library became National Library |
| 1948–49 | University Education Commission |
| 1951 | Delhi Public Library established |
| 1953 | INSDOC established |
| 1957 | Sinha Committee and UGC Library Committee |
| 1961 | Review Committee |
| 1964–66 | Kothari Commission |
| 1972 | Working Group on Development of Public Libraries |
| 1983 | Working Group on Modernisation of Library Services and Informatics |
| 1985–86 | Chattopadhyaya Committee / NAPLIS |
| 2005 | National Knowledge Commission |
14. Quick Revision Points for LIS Exams
- Father of Library Science in India: Dr. S. R. Ranganathan
- First Public Library Act in India: Madras Public Libraries Act, 1946
- Advisory Committee for Libraries: K. P. Sinha, 1957
- UGC Library Committee: Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, 1957
- Education Commission: D. S. Kothari, 1964–66
- National Policy on Library and Information Systems Committee: D. P. Chattopadhyaya, 1985–86
- National Knowledge Commission: Sam Pitroda, 2005
- Calcutta Public Library: 1836
- Imperial Library: 1903
- National Library: Formerly Imperial Library
15. Conclusion
The historical development of libraries in India shows a gradual transition from ancient manuscript collections to modern digital information systems. Ancient centres such as Nalanda preserved knowledge through manuscripts, while medieval royal and religious libraries continued this tradition.
During the British period, the foundations of the modern public library movement were established. After independence, various committees and commissions helped develop public, academic and special libraries, library legislation, professional education, automation and networking.
For LIS examinations, the Sinha Committee, UGC Library Committee, Kothari Commission and Chattopadhyaya Committee are particularly important. Students should remember their year, chairman and major recommendations.
Today, Indian libraries are moving from traditional print collections towards automated, networked, electronic and digital library services.