Journey Through Time: Muhammadan Public Library of Tiruvallikeni

Nestled within the bustling streets of Tiruvallikeni (Triplicane), amidst the ordinary facade of a nondescript building adorned with dull-colored paint, lies a hidden gem with a rich history—the Muhammadan Public Library.

Established by the esteemed Nawab Ghulam Mohammed Ghouse Khan Bahadur, the last Nawab of the Carnatic, this unassuming building housed a thriving hub of knowledge and literature. Nawab Ghulam Mohammed, known for his patronage of arts, envisioned a space that would promote the languages of Urdu, Persian, Arabic, and English, alongside subjects ranging from science to history and mathematics.

In 1850, under the Nawab's patronage, the Muhammadan Public Library embarked on a mission to bring modern education to the masses of the Carnatic region. During this period, the British wielded considerable influence, although the Nawab retained some autonomy within the bounds of their agreement.

A pivotal figure in the library's establishment was Lord Edward Balfour, the British agent with a close association to the Nawab. Lord Balfour, recognizing the importance of education for all, especially the Muslim community, supported the Nawab's vision for widespread literacy and learning.

Originally known as the 'Kutub Khana-e- Am Mufeed Ahl-i-Islam Madras', the institution began its journey with a generous gift of 240 Arabic and Persian books from the King of Egypt. In a mere four months, the library burgeoned to house an impressive collection of 1,500 books.

Among its treasures are ancient manuscripts, some dating back 300 to 400 years, sourced from diverse corners of the globe—London, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey. Visitors to the library are greeted by a fascinating array of works, from the Persian manuscript to Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The shelves of the Muhammadan Public Library hold a wealth of history, with titles such as H.D. Love’s "Vestiges of Old Madras" from a century ago and a dusty, well-worn July 1883 copy of The Lancet magazine.

Sadly, the library fell into disrepair when its old structure on Quaid-e-Millath Road was demolished some years ago. However, in a joyous revival of history, this venerable institution, boasting a legacy of over 170 years, reopened its doors on a momentous day—Tuesday, December 20, 2005.

Amidst the bustling life of Triplicane, the Muhammadan Public Library stands as a testament to the enduring power of knowledge and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Happy travelling!