A Special Case Rampur Raza Library, Rampur

Research Article

National repositories of India: a special case study of Rampur Raza Library, Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, India

Geetanjali Rana Kanwar

Librarian, HNB Government (PG) College, Udhamsinghnagar, Uttarakhand, INDIA. Email: [email protected]

Abstract This paper describes about the special unique library collection of Rampur Raza Library, Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, India. The various facilities which the library provides to its users have been discussed and tested through statistical non- parametric test named Chi-square Test. The application of Chi-square Test results that this library provides best services to their users and on its way to make the facilities of library digitised so that it can be utilised by global users from all over the world. Keywords: Digitisation, Repository, Preserving, Manuscripts, Software, Online services, Heritage, Computerised, Information Technologies, Digital Libraries.

*Address for Correspondence: Dr Geetanjali Rana Kanwar Librarian, HNB Government (PG) College, Udhamsinghnagar, Uttarakhand, INDIA. Email: [email protected] Received Date: 19/07/2014 Accepted Date: 29 /07 /2014

and treasure house of knowledge established in 18 th Access this article online Century and built by successive Nawabs of Rampur State. Quick Response Code: It was named on Nawab Raza Ali Khan who was a great

Website: learner of music, art, culture and books. It contains very

www.statperson.com rare and valuable collections of manuscripts, historical documents, specimens of Islamic Calligraphy, miniature paintings, astronomical instruments and rare illustrated DOI: 02 August 2014 works in Arabic and Persian languages. The libraries possess its distinctive and rare collection, its artistic holdings and unique setting. It has one of the finest

collections in the world which has its historical

INTRODUCTION importance, uniqueness, beauty and fascinating writings Education and Library have been in separable since in different languages. It is one of the most important centuries and civilizations. Library has always been an libraries of South Asia due to its extraordinary collection integral part of all educational institutions of higher of works relating to different religion, traditions of Indo- Islamic learning and arts.1,2 learning and research. The knowledge resources of libraries have been changed from time to time; the PURPOSE OF THE LIBRARY methods of handling have also undergone significant The main purpose of the library is to extend all facilities changes with changing media. Libraries are considered as to the scholars in their endeavour for researchers and to repositories of our ancient culture, work and civilizations. ensure preservation and protection of invaluable The Indian civilization is one of the most oldest collection of manuscripts, paintings and rare books civilization of the world so some of the Indian Libraries besides publishing text of Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Hindi have their significant impact for the researchers and manuscripts, catalogues and journals, etc. The library scholars from all over the world. The Rampur Raza undertakes a project of publication of books on history, Library is one of the treasure house of Indo-Islamic art and culture of medieval India. The library also learning and arts located in Rampur State of Uttar organises workshops, seminars and holds special lectures Pradesh in India. This library is one of the world’s for promotion of learning and creating awareness among magnificent, unparalleled repository of cultural heritage

How to site this article: Geetanjali Rana Kanwar . National repositories of India: a special case study of Rampur Raza Library, Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, India. International Journ al of Recent Trends in Science a nd Technology August 2014; 12(1): 50 -55 http://www.statperson.com (accessed 04 Augustust 2014) International Journal of Recent Trends in Science And Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN 2249-8109, Volume 12, Issue 1, 2014 pp 50-55 young scholars. Library has arranged a reading hall which Table 2: Timings of the Library is also a primary enterance into library’s research Day Opening Closing collection where the readers can read newspapers, Monday 10:00 a.m 5:00p.m periodicals and magazines of their choices. The library Tuesday 10:00 a.m 5:00 p.m welcomes online queries of all scholars and r-esearchers Wednesday 10:00 a.m 5:00 p.m through their website: www.razalibrary.gov.in and e-mail Thursday 10:00 a.m 5:00 p.m Friday Closed closed id: [email protected] Saturday 10:00 a.m 5:00 p.m ADMINISTRATION OF THE LIBRARY Sunday 10:00 a.m 5:00 p.m The Central Government took over the library w. e. f 1st Holidays Gazzited Holidays

July, 1975 under Rampur Raza Library Act (Act No. 22 LIBRARY COLLECTION of 1975). The affairs of library are managed by Rampur The present building Hamid Manzil has been housing the Raza Library Board which has been set up under Section 2 Rampur Raza Library since 1957. The palastial high 4 of the Act. It is the governing body with his excellence, domed and turreted museum is a magnificient the Governor of UP as the Chairman. There is provision construction of Indo- European architecture inside the fort of 12 other members including one descendent of the of Rampur. The strict security system present outside the erstwhile ruling family of Nawab. The Board is library with security guards and inside the library represented by distinguished historians, scholars in different instructions are written for the users to protect Persian, Arabic and Urdu literature besides officials the library materials along with the presence of library concerned with the affairs of library in Central and State staff. The library consists of Reading Rooms, Research/ Governments. After the legislation of Rampur Raza Scholar Room, Periodical Sections, Museum, Bindery Library Act in 1975 by the Parliament of India, the library Section and Conservatory Laboratory. Everyday 14 was given the status of the Institution of National newspapers, monthly magazines, journals and books are Importance. The library occupies the position of an delivered into the library. The tables are always occupied autonomous institution of national importance under by the readers who wish to give their free time and want Department of Culture, Government of India and is fully to keep themselves aware with daily news and general funded by Central Government. The Director of Library knowledge. The Reading Room is furnished with Steel is responsible for concerning the meetings of Board and Card Cabinets to keep card catalogues of the printed its sub-committees and implementations of the decisions books as per library science rules based on DDC and taken by Board. He is required to maintain close liasons AACR-II. There are wooden racks to keep newspapers, with Chairman of Board and Ministry of Culture, periodicals and magazines in proper manner with Government of India for receiving instructions and comfortable wooden chairs for readers to sit and read. regular financial grants for library. He is responsible for The newspapers and periodicals are kept on record after library collections and organising activities within the use as a valuable source of information and may be library. The Government of India has sanctioned 31 posts utilised by the scholars later on. There is separate in the library. 11 Conservation Laboratory and Binding Sections where Table 1: Part time services of Safai Karamchari can be taken if damaged materials of the library are repaired/ replaced required and newly purchased books are bound. The library has Sr. No. Name of the Post Number collection of nearly 17000 manuscripts, 60000 printed 1 Director 1 2 Library and Information Officer 2 books and nearly 5000 miniature paintings, 3000 rare 3 Assistant Library and Information Officer 2 specimens of Islamic Calligraphy. The Museum in the 4 Library and Information Assistant 2 library has Nawabi Antiquities besides centuries old 5 Senior Technical Restorer 2 astronomical instruments and nearly 1500 rare gold, th 6 Technical Restorer 2 silver and copper coins datable from 5 Century B.C to 7 Library Clerk 2 19 th Century A.D. The library is very rich in Mughal and 8 Library Attendent 2 old rare Antiquities. It has a very unique collection of 9 Duster- cum-Peon 2 manuscripts in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Hindi, Tamil, 10 Head Clerk 1 Pushto, Urdu, Turkish and other languages. It has also a 11 Upper Division Clerk 1 rich collection of miniature paintings belonging to Turko- 12 Lower Division Clerk 2 13 Chowkidar 3 Mongol, Mughal, Persian, Rajput, Deccani, Kangaa, Awadh and Lohani collection of books on Indian Classic 14 Mali 1 th th 15 Farrash-cum-Peon 3 Music. The paintings of 13 Century A.D to 18 Century 2,12,13 Total Post 31 A.D are also considered as heritage collection.

SPECIAL LIBRARY COLLECTION potential of computers and increase work efficiency of The library possesses commentary on Quran in Pushto library. It has minimised the use of external storage media and 2 rare volume collection of Diwan of Khushhal Khan in the library and there is minimum risk of data loss in khatak which is decorated immensely with gold Nastaliq case of breaking down of any computer. Around 48620 characters. The rare illustrated Diwan of celebrated Sufi Hindi, Arbic, Urdu, English and Persian books have been poet Rehman Baba is also one of the notable collections computerised using software “CollecSys” which is best of Pushto manuscripts of Hafiz Rehmat Khan Hero of the known Oriental Cataloguing Software in this field. Rohila Afghans in India who laid down his life fighting Digitization and preparing CD’s of rare paintings, against British in struggle for freedom. The library has specimens of Islamic Calligraphy illustrated manuscripts, distinction of collecting 50 rare manuscripts and books in art objects and coins has been made. About 42000 images Turkish language. The library possess Urdu manuscripts from 40 albums of paintings, 85 albums of Islamic which contains the corrections and modifications in Calligraphy and 195 illustrated, non-illustrated scanned handwriting of Ghalib himself. The library possess the with detailed information to avoid repeatedly handling Dewan of Shah Hatim, Kulliyat-i-Mir, Jurat Hasan, and exposure of old fragile manuscripts and paintings. Dewan-i-Soz manuscripts, 2 rare copies of Insha’s Rani CD’s of these images are prepared. The library also Ketki ki Kahani. The rare collection of Dewan of provides photographs of manuscripts, Xerox copies of celebrated poet Nawab Yusuf Ali Khan ‘Nazim’ the ruler printed books to scholars on payment basis. The of Rampur is highly embellished in gold which contains conservation laboratory treat damaged books/ the potrait of Nawab. The library is holding hundreds of manuscripts/ documents/ objects as per archaeological Hindi manuscripts written in Persian scripts including norms of conservation. About 75% of digitization work Madhumati of Malik Manjan, Padmavati of Malik, has been completed for the library materials. The library Muhammad Jaisi with Persian translation is a valuable has separate unit which also publishes rare and original 4,5,7,14 work in library collection. Some of the Arabic collections manuscripts on Indian culture in different languages. are oldest pieces of handwork in the field of Arabic th TESTING OF SIGNIFICANCE OF LIBRARY Calligraphy. Among them is the 7 Century A.D Quran The significance of the library is tested through Non- written on parchment in early Kufi script is a special Parametric Chi-Square Statistical Test which is applied to collection present in library. There are 32 Albums of various facilities provided by the library to its users. The Mughal paintings on socio-economic life, Ramayan in data collection is based on Sample Survey Method, Persian, unique album of 157 paintings of Emperor Akbar th Observation and Oral Interview based on Semi-Structured known as Telism of 15 Century and Panch Tatra in Questionnaire. A sample population of 60 people Persian language which is selected as World Heritage including 10 Research Scholars who are present in the which is present in the library. 11 library are taken and data based on various facilities of DIGITIZATION IN THE LIBRARY library provided to the users are collected and then Chi- The work of digitizing collection of rare books and Square Test is applied to data collected to check the manuscripts is ongoing with the help of high-tech special qualities of the library facilities given to the users. technologies in the library. The library has implemented The application of Chi-Square Test are shown in the his own LAN to interlink computers present in different below tables to verify the significance of library among 3,6,9,10,15 sections of library to unite the potential of computers users. present in different sections of library to unite the

Table 1: Total number of visitors reading Total number of visitors not reading Frequency Calculated value of χ2 newspaper in library newspaper in library

Observed Frequency (f o) 35 25

Expected Frequency (f e) 30 30

(f o – fe) 5 -5 2 (f o – fe) 25 25 1.66 2 (f o – fe) / f e 0.83 0.83 2 fe = Total frequencies = 60/2 = 30 , Number of Cells, χ2 = Σ [(f0 – fe ) / f e ] = 0.83 + 0.83 = 1.66, Use of Table: df = (C-1) (R-1) = (2-1) (2-1) = 1 So, value of χ2 seen from table for 1 df at 0.05 level = 3.841 Table 1 shows that from a sample population of 60 people than the table value of Chi-Square at 0.05 levels so the present in the library, there are 35 people who read null hypothesis (H 0) is accepted which shows that there is newspaper and there are 25 people who don’t read no relation between the visitors who read newspapers and newspaper. The calculated value of Chi-Square is less who don’t read newspapers. It also shows that many of

International Journal of Recent Trends in Science And Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN 2249-8109, Volume 12, Issue 1, 2014 Page 52 International Journal of Recent Trends in Science And Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN 2249-8109, Volume 12, Issue 1, 2014 pp 50-55 the visitors like to read the newspapers in the library and different newspapers to attract their readers. the library possess a very good collection of daily

Table 2: Total number of visitors Total number of visitors Calculated value Frequency interested in Museum not interested in Museum of χ2

Observed Frequency (f o) 36 24 Expected Frequency (f e) 30 30

(f o – fe) 6 -6 2.4 2 (f o – fe) 36 36 2 (f o – fe) / f e 1.2 1.2 2 fe = Total frequencies = 60/2 = 30 , Number of Cells, χ2 = Σ [ ( f 0 – fe ) / f e ] = 1.2 + 1.2 = 2.4, Use of Table : df = (C-1) (R-1) = (2- 1) (2-1) = 1, So, value of χ2 seen from table for 1 df at 0.05 level = 3.841

Table 2 shows that from a sample population of 60 people shows that there is no relation between the visitors who present in the library, there are 36 people who are like to visit Museum and who don’t like to visit Museum. interested to visit Museum and there are 24 people who It also shows that the library possess a very good are not interested to visit Museum. The calculated value collection of materials of ancient history, art and culture of Chi-Square is less than the table value of Chi-Square at towards which maximum number of visitors/ scholars 0.05 levels so the null hypothesis (H 0) is accepted which from all over the world are attracted.

Table 3: Research Scholars not Demanding Calculated value Frequency Research Scholars Demanding Manuscript Collection Manuscript Collection of χ2

Observed Frequency (f o) 8 2

Expected Frequency (f e) 5 5

(f o – fe) 3 -3 2 (f o – fe) 9 9 3.6 2 (f o – fe) / f e 1.8 1.8 2 fe = Total frequencies = 10/2 = 5 , Number of Cells, χ2 = Σ [ ( f 0 – fe ) / f e ] = 1.8 + 1.8 = 3.6, Use of Table : df = (C-1) (R-1) = (2-1) (2-1) = 1, So, value of χ2 seen from table for 1 df at 0.05 level = 3.841

Table 3 shows that from a sample population of 60 people there are 10 Research Scholars present in the library out of which 8 Research Scholars demanded Manuscript Collection and 2 Research Scholars do not demand Manuscript Collection. The calculated value of Chi-Square is slightly less than the table value of Chi-Square at 0.05 level so the null hypothesis (H 0) is accepted which shows that there is no relation between the Research Scholars who demanded Manuscript Collection and who don’t demanded the Manuscript Collection. It also shows that the library possess special quality collection of manuscripts which are mostly demanded by the researchers and scholars.

Table 4: Unsatisfactory Result for Satisfactory Result for Classification Calculated value Frequency Classification and Cataloguing and Cataloguing System in Library of χ2 System in Library

Observed Frequency (f o) 38 22

Expected Frequency (f e) 30 30

(f o – fe) 8 -8 2 (f o – fe) 64 64 4.26 2 (f o – fe) / f e 2.13 2.13 2 fe = Total frequencies = 60/2 = 30, Number of Cells, , χ2 = Σ [ ( f 0 – fe ) / f e ] = 2.13 + 2.13 = 4.26, Use of Table : df = (C-1) (R-1) = (2-1) (2-1) = 1, So, value of χ2 seen from table for 1 df at 0.05 level = 3.841

Table 4 shows that from a sample population of 60 people who are satisfied and unsatisfied with the Classification there are 38 people who are satisfied with the and Cataloguing system of the library. Though the library Classification and Cataloguing system of the library and possess good Classification and Cataloguing system and there are 22 people who are unsatisfied. The calculated the scholars doesn’t have to waste their time in searching value of Chi-Square is more than the table value of Chi- their library materials but the null hypothesis is rejected Square at 0.05 level so the null hypothesis (H 0) is rejected because there are many visitors not scholars present in the which shows that some relation exist between the people library who doesn’t how to read catalogue cards.

Table 5: Visitors/Scholars demanding Visitors/Scholars not demanding Frequency Calculated value of χ2 Digital Services of Library Digital Services Library

Observed Frequency (f o) 35 25

Expected Frequency (f e) 30 30

Table 5 shows that from a sample population of 60 people Services and who don’t demanded the Digital Services of there are 35 people who demanded Digital Services and library. It also shows that the visitors/scholars are 25 people who do not demand Digital Services of the interested in using digital services of the library if they library. The calculated value of Chi-Square is less than are provided. The scholars/visitors of library are very the table value of Chi-Square at 0.05 level so the null much interested towards digital services to attain hypothesis (H 0) is accepted which shows that there is no knowledge and information. relation between the people who demanded Digital Table 6: Visitors satisfied Visitors not Satisfied Frequency Calculated value of ᵡ2 with Library Services with Library Services

Observed Frequency (f o) 34 26

Expected Frequency (f e) 30 30

(f o – fe) 4 -4 2 (f o – fe) 16 16 1.06 2 (f o – fe) / f e 0.53 0.53 2 fe = Total frequencies = 60/2 = 30 , Number of Cells, χ2 = Σ [ ( f 0 – fe ) / f e ] = 0.53 + 0.53 = 1.06, Use of Table : df = (C-1) (R-1) = (2-1) (2-1) = 1, So, value of χ2 seen from table for 1 df at 0.05 level = 3.841

Table 6 shows that from a sample population of 60 people needs some improvements in the services of library. It there are 34 people who are satisfied with the services of also shows that the visitors/scholars are interested in the library and there are 26 people who need some using digital services of the library if they are provided. improvements in the services of the library. The The scholars/visitors of library are very much interested calculated value of Chi-Square is less than the table value towards digital services to attain knowledge and of Chi-Square at 0.05 levels so the null hypothesis (H 0) is information. It also shows that the library possess quality accepted which shows that there is no relation between collection which attracts maximum number of learners/ the people who are satisfied with library services and who scholars/ visitors when they visit there.

Table 7: Percentage of Percentage of Persons needs persons who eeds Facilities provided Persons satisfied Sr. No. persons satisfied improvements in the improvements in by library with library facilities with library facilities library facilities the library facilities 1 Reading Hall 56 93.33% 4 6.66% 2 Museum 55 91.66% 5 8.33% 3 Manuscript Collection 8 80% 2 3.33% Classification and Cataloguing 4 38 63.33% 22 36.66% System 5 Digital Services 35 58.33% 25 41.66% 6 Security Services 55 91.66% 5 8.33%

Table 7 shows that from a sample population of 60 facility of Manuscript Collection, there are 63.33% of people, there are 93.33% of people who are satisfied with people who are satisfied with Classification and the facilities of Reading Hall, there are 91.66% of people Cataloguing System, there are 58.33% of people who are who are satisfied with facilities of Museum, there are satisfied with Digital Services and there are 91.66% of 80% of researchers/scholars who are satisfied with people who are satisfied with Security Services of the

International Journal of Recent Trends in Science And Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN 2249-8109, Volume 12, Issue 1, 2014 Page 54 International Journal of Recent Trends in Science And Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN 2249-8109, Volume 12, Issue 1, 2014 pp 50-55 library. The percentage ratio of all the facilities of library 3. The library extends all facilities and library services to provided to the users is of very high range and maximum endeavour for researchers to ensure preservation and number of persons are satisfied with the library facilities. protection of invaluable collection present in the library. 4. The new IT tools and techniques are very beneficial for It also shows that library is providing very good facilities library and library users. to their users. All the tables and application of Chi-Square 5. The digitization of library services helps the users to Test shows that the library possess one of the best interact with library from anywhere and anytime. collection of history, art and culture. It is providing best 6. Use of hi-tech IT technologies helps library collections to facilities to its users and maximum number of people are survive for longer period. satisfied with the library facilities. The library staff is putting its best efforts to preserve its unique collection REFERENCES with the help of digital resources. There is great demand 1. Ancient Indian Libraries: of online services of library from the users for which the nickel ˍancientindianlibraries.blogs, 15 March, 2010. 2. Bhatt (Rakesh Kumar): History and Development of work is in progress of making the services of library Libraries in India. Ph.D Thesis. 1995. 365 pages digitalized. 3. Bhattacharya (Abhishek): Non-Parametric Inference Manifolds Applications. ISI, New Delhi, 2012. CONCLUSION 4. Fernandez (Leila): Open Access Initiatives in India. The Partnership, Vol.1, No.1, USA, 2006. From here we can conclude that the library possess one of 5. Ghosh (Arun): Library and Information Users in Digital the finest collection of ancient art, history and culture Environment – Library and Information Users in Digital which must be preserved for our future generation. The Era. Published in XXVII All India Conference of application of Chi-Square Test proves the quality of IASLIC, 2009, IASLIC, 2009, IASLIC, Kolkata. pp.5-7. library and its services provided to users. The use of high- 6. Kapil (H.K): Elements of Statistics in Social Sciences. tech technologies and digitization of library materials Aggarwal Publications. Agra. 2010. 7. Kumar (R.P): An Overview of Modern Technologies : helps to preserve the valuable heritage collection of this Application in Indian Libraries (Brief Communication). library for longer period. As the world is moving towards Published in International Information and Library the knowledge society of learning and research, the Review. Vol.26, Issue: 2, December, 1994. pp.327-339. demand and importance of library has changed. People in 8. National Data Repository : http://www.dghindia.org , 21 coming years will no more think of coming to library for January, 2014. books/journals or library collections, they would be able 9. Non-Parametric Statistics : www.encyclopedia.com 10. Non-Parametric Statistical Tests : BMJ. 2014. pp.340- to connect on themselves by own to different digital 348. libraries which needs value and knowledge based services 11. Rampur Raza Library: Libraries and Archives in South to attract the users. Needless to say that the new digital Asia: http://coral.uchicago.edu media in which knowledge resources are emerging are 12. Rampur Raza Library: utube. 3 minutes.www.utube.com equally accepted by the global users of today. 13. Sawant (Sarika): Institutional Repositories in India : A preliminary Study. Library Hi-tech News- Emerald. Emerald Publishing House. Vol.28, Issue : 10, 2009. SUMMERY pp.6-10. 1. The national repository library is one of the magnificent, 14. Singh (Vishal), Singh (Jasmer) and Mehta (Nidhi): unparalleled repository of art, history and cultural Storage and Use of Information Resources in Electronic heritage and is considered to be treasure house of Library Environment. Published in XXVII All India knowledge. IASLIC Conference, 2009, IASLIC, Kolkata. p.309. 2. The library has unique collection of historical 15. Statistics Glossary: Non-Parametric Methods. significance relating to different religions and traditions. www.stats.gla.ac.uk

Source of Support: None Declared Conflict of Interest: None Declared