Raza library

Rampur Raza Library (celebrated internationally as one of Asia's grandest repositories of Oriental manuscripts, Islamic calligraphy, and Mughal miniature paintings, housed inside the majestic Indo Saracenic palace Hamid Manzil within Rampur Fort), situated just 28 km east of Moradabad across the Kosi River in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the world's most historically priceless, architecturally dazzling, and intellectually treasured cultural institutions.

Founded in the late 18th century by Nawab Faizullah Khan (the first ruler of the princely state of Rampur) and expanded by successive erudite Nawabs, notably Nawab Hamid Ali Khan who commissioned French architect Wright to design Hamid Manzil in 1904, this autonomous institution functioning under the Ministry of Culture preserves over 17,000 rare manuscripts in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Urdu, Pashto, and Turkish, alongside 60,000 printed books and 5,000 miniature paintings.

It's the home of the world famous 7th century Quran written on parchment attributed to the fourth Caliph Hazrat Ali, original illuminated Mughal manuscripts bearing the personal seals and signatures of Emperors Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan (including the illustrated Tuzuk i-Baburi and Dewan i-Hafiz), original handwritten ghazals and correspondence of legendary Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib who served as the royal court poet of Rampur, exquisite Persian calligraphy specimens written in Nasta'liq and Kufic scripts, gold embossed astronomical instruments and celestial globes, and a palatial sanctuary atmosphere framed by Italian marble arches, Belgian crystal chandeliers, and manicured fort gardens.

It represents a rich Indo Islamic intellectual renaissance, Nawabi court patronage, and Oriental scholarship sanctuary where Mughal manuscript art, Ghalib's poetic archives, Arabic calligraphy, and grand Indo Saracenic architecture unite in the Moradabad Rampur circuit.

Located inside Rampur Qila (Fort) in Rampur town, it sits just 28 km from Moradabad Junction Railway Station (MB), 1.5 km from Rampur Railway Station (RMU), 180 km from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi, and 65 km from Bareilly, easily accessible via the Delhi Lucknow NH 9 expressway by private car, taxi, and local trains.

The 1904 Indo Saracenic Masterpiece: Hamid Manzil

Designed by European and royal court architects in 1904, Hamid Manzil fuses Mughal, Islamic, and European Renaissance architectural elements.

Its grand reading halls feature high vaulted ceilings, Italian marble statues, towering Corinthian columns, and gold leaf wall filigree.

Truth is, stepping into the grand chandelier lit central hall filled with ancient leather bound manuscripts feels like stepping into a royal fairy tale.

7th Century Quran & Imperial Mughal Manuscripts

Hazrat Ali's Quran: The library's supreme crown jewel is a 7th century Holy Quran inscribed on deerskin parchment, revered by scholars worldwide.

Mughal Royal Seals: Illustrated manuscripts like the Ramayana translated into Persian under Emperor Akbar's orders and Jahangir's personal poetry collections are on display.

Mirza Ghalib's Archives & Miniature Paintings

Ghalib's Manuscripts: As royal patron, Nawab Yusef Ali Khan supported Mirza Ghalib, whose original corrected drafts and letters are preserved here.

Miniature Art: Over 5,000 Mughal, Persian, Deccan, and Rajput miniature paintings illustrate royal court life, mythology, and natural fauna.

After exploring Rampur Raza Library, visit the famous Moradabad brass bazaars, tour Jama Masjid in Moradabad, or enjoy authentic Moradabadi dal and royal Rampuri mutton korma.