Thursday, May 05, 2011

Asif ad Daula Library in Lucknow #photography

Sangeeta wanted to visit this library. Its just next to the Baradari.

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The courtyard is full of old mango trees. Beautiful chabutara’s around it where one can sit and listen to birds.

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See what I mean? old old trees.

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A row of shops in front of the library.

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A kite stuck in a neem tree.

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After asking around, they allowed me to take photographs. Its an old building, three floors with a central open area.

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Shelves of books line all the sides.

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English books on the first floor.

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Nawab Haider, 1814-1827, who founded the building. Good man.

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The reading tables.

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I climbed up to the first floor. No lights.

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Sangeeta looking a bit pensive as she gazes around the place.

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Nice and dark place.

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Hmmm, confusing. How is Maharaja Sir Mohammad Ali Mohammad Khan the founder of the Library?

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Climbed up to the top floor now.

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Very steep stairs.

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The encyclopaedias were kept here on the top floor. Nobody seems to refer to them. Nobody was there at all.

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Looking down at the floor. On this floor, the books were not kept well at all. Just look at the state.

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The books are in a dire state.

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Papers packed up in newsprint and tied up with string.

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The UP Gazette.

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Dust was lying on the floor and papers by the ton. Look at this pile of books.

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And windows were not shaded. the books were suffering.

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Readers Digest of 1968.

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The annual Report of the Smithsonian Institution 1902. Good heavens.

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Look at the state, sighs, makes one weep.

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Looking back at the entrance.

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Ceiling fans to keep one cool.

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Sacred Books of the East.

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Book indices.

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And card indices. frikking hell.

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The history of the library.

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More plaques and paintings.

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The public notice board.

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The fall of Tipoo Sultan

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A relief map of India

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Came out of the building. Now see the lovely architecture of the building.

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The front of the library.

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oh! hello, what do we have here? that’s where I want to get to in the next place I visit. The slideshow with many more photographs.

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