The Hasrat Mohani Library near Pakka Qila in Hyderabad, Pakistan, is a historic library that is named after the renowned Urdu poet and freedom fighter, Maulana Hasrat Mohani. The library is located in the heart of the old city of Hyderabad, close to the iconic Pakka Qila, a fort that was built during the Mughal era.
History of Hasrat Mohani Library
In 1905, a library was built in the name of the British Civil Surgeon of Hyderabad, Dr. Homestead. The library was named as Homestead Hall. It was the biggest library in the City.
The library was established in 1957, and it has played a crucial role in promoting education and intellectual growth in the region. The library has a vast collection of books, periodicals, journals, and manuscripts in various languages, including Urdu, Hindi, English, and Arabic. The library has a special focus on literature, history, and culture, and it has an extensive collection of books on these subjects.
The Hasrat Mohani Library is a hub for research scholars and students who visit the library to access its rare collection of manuscripts and books. The library’s collection includes the works of several famous Urdu poets and writers, including Mirza Ghalib, Allama Iqbal, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and Maulana Hasrat Mohani himself.
Hasrat Mohani Library Interior
The building, which has Victorian features, comprises over half a dozen rooms and a huge reading hall. The building is spread out over more than 18,000 square feet and the rest of the compound’s 1.5 acres contains a lush green lawn, a parking space, a mosque, and some monuments. In 1967, the building was renamed after a revolutionary freedom movement leader, renowned poet, and member of the Indian Constituent Assembly – Syed Fazlul Hassan Hasrat Mohani.
The Library had a total covered area of around 18,000 square feet, whereas its lawn is around 1.5 acres along with a mosque, parking space, and some monuments. It was built in Victorian style and has 7/8 rooms with a big hall being used as the Main reading hall.
In addition to its impressive collection of books and manuscripts, the library also hosts regular literary and cultural events, including seminars, poetry readings, and book launches. These events provide a platform for emerging writers and poets to showcase their talent and connect with established writers and scholars.
The Hasrat Mohani Library near Pakka Qila in Hyderabad, Pakistan, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in literature, history, and culture. It is a living monument to the enduring legacy of Maulana Hasrat Mohani, who was not only a great poet but also a visionary leader and a champion of education and social justice. The library continues to inspire and educate generations of scholars, writers, and readers, and it is a symbol of the power of knowledge and the enduring spirit of human creativity.