In the heart of Rampur, which is not as famous as other prominent destinations, lies an architectural marvel steeped in history and culture. The Raza Library, one of the largest and best-preserved early modern libraries in Asia. Recently, it gained attention after Anand Mahindra, the Chairman of Mahindra Group, made an unexpected discovery there.
Anand Mahindra’s discovery happened after he saw a tweet by Sam Dalrymple, a writer associated with William Collins Books in London. Dalrymple had visited India a few years ago and explored Rampur. He shared a stunning picture of the Raza Library on Twitter recently, calling it “The Prettiest Library in India.” He also praised its collection of around 30,000 rare manuscripts in Pashto, Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu, and Tamil, making it one of North India’s most important literary archives.
Anand Mahindra, taken aback by the beauty and significance of the library, reshared the tweet, admitting, “That is a magnificent structure. I had absolutely no idea of its existence. I’m embarrassed. By itself, it makes Rampur a must-see destination.” His post quickly went viral, garnering over two lakh views and sparking widespread interest in Rampur’s rich historical legacy.
That is a magnificent structure.
I had absolutely no idea of its existence. I’m embarrassed.
By itself, it makes Rampur a must-see destination… https://t.co/5gnbeMHch5
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) February 4, 2025
Internet’s fascination with the hidden gem
The revelation triggered a wave of admiration and curiosity on social media. One user expressed astonishment that such places remain unnoticed, commenting, “Makes me wonder how many other treasures are tucked away across India. Vloggers should focus on this!” Another user rejoiced in the thrill of discovering such hidden gems, adding, “Rampur clearly has more to offer than one might expect. Time to add it to the travel list!”
it’s shocking how places with such rich history often go unnoticed.
makes me wonder how many other treasures are tucked away across india.
vloggers should focus on this
— Charan (@sricharan10g) February 4, 2025
Another tweet highlighted that the library, built in 1890, is an official depository for UN publications. With a vast collection of 770,000 books, 3,500 periodicals, and 160 newspapers, it functions as a thriving knowledge hub.
Raza Library: A treasure trove of knowledge
The Rampur Raza Library traces its origins to 1774 when Nawab Faizullah Khan established it as a center for Indo-Islamic learning and arts. Under the patronage of the Nawabs, Rampur became a heaven for scholars, poets, painters, calligraphers, and musicians, fostering a rich cultural legacy.
The library’s collection is a historian’s paradise, boasting 17,000 manuscripts in Arabic, Persian, Pashto, Sanskrit, Urdu, Hindi, and Turkish. Among its prized possessions are rare paintings, palm-leaf manuscripts, and over 60,000 printed books in Indian and foreign languages. The library stands as a testament to Rampur’s illustrious past, preserving an invaluable heritage for future generations.
Beyond the library: Rampur’s rich heritage
Rampur, formerly known as Mustafabad, is more than just a literary hub. Located approximately 200 km from India’s capital, the town is renowned for its historical monuments, its famed distillery and the legendary Rampuri chaaku—a unique knife that has often been romanticised in Bollywood.
Once home to a bustling Chaaku Bazar, the town now hosts only a handful of knife shops. However, a massive 6.10-meter-long foldable Rampuri chaaku stands proudly at a roundabout, built at a cost of Rs 52.52 lakh, earning the title of the world’s largest knife.
The town is also adorned with its gates, once these gates were built by the Nawab Faizullah Khan, Rampur has almost seven gates built at every turn. These gates and various buildings from that era hold great significance in the city’s history. The Nawabs of Rampur strongly believed in development. After the end of their rule, these gates were reconstructed. Each gate was built with a length ranging from 40-60 feet. Additionally, some gates were renamed, such as Shahabad Gate and Nawab Gate.
Rampur’s culinary legacy
Rampur’s cultural richness extends to its culinary traditions, deeply influenced by Mughal, Awadhi, and Central Asian flavors. The town’s signature dish, Rampuri qorma (also known as taar-gosht), is a slow-cooked delicacy that leaves a lasting impression on those who taste it. Another local favorite, Haleem, blends wheat, lentils and meat into a rich, porridge-like dish, showcasing the intricate cooking techniques of the region.
Kebabs are the crown jewels of Rampuri cuisine, with seekh kebabs and shami kebabs standing out for their finely minced meat and aromatic spice blends. These dishes, either grilled or shallow-fried, offer a perfect balance of tenderness and smokiness, setting them apart from their counterparts in other regions.
Rampur, the forgotten jewel of Western Uttar Pradesh
Rampur, my hometown, is a small town in northwestern Uttar Pradesh with a Muslim-majority population. In modern times, it is known as the Muslim Vote Bank of Western UP.
The renewed interest in the Raza Library serves as a reminder that India is filled with hidden gems waiting to be rediscovered. Perhaps it is time for travelers, historians and storytellers to turn their gaze towards Rampur and unveil the many wonders it holds within its walls.
