The dedicated team of workers who carefully cleaned the glass cases of the almirahs and skillfully hung the massive chandeliers from the high ceiling might not fully realize the significance of their labor. Yet, they have played a crucial role in reviving an invaluable piece of Mumbai's historical and cultural legacy.
A Treasure Trove Awaiting Republic Day Inauguration
The beautifully refurbished and iconic Karimi Library, located within the first-floor heritage building of Anjuman-i-Islam near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST), is poised for its grand inauguration on Republic Day, January 26. This remarkable repository of knowledge and wisdom remains largely unknown to many Mumbaikars, despite housing some of the rarest manuscripts and literary treasures in the country.
Preserving Literary Gems Through Digitalization
Among the library's most prized possessions are the intact pages of the Persian translation of the Mahabharata, which was commissioned by Mughal emperor Akbar and meticulously prepared under the supervision of Abul Fazl in the late 16th century. The collection also features numerous copies of the Ramayana translated into Urdu, showcasing the rich linguistic diversity of Indian literature.
An 1896 edition of the Hanuman Chalisa competes for space with an 1892 edition of the Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta, both beautifully rendered in Urdu. While the physical pages of these timeless tomes have yellowed and grown brittle with age, there is cause for celebration: these invaluable works have been successfully digitalized. This crucial preservation effort ensures that although the printed books may not endure for eternity, their digitalized versions will achieve a form of immortality, safeguarding their content for future generations.
Leadership and Vision Behind the Restoration
"These are our most prized possessions," declares Padmashree Dr. Zahir Kazi, President of Anjuman and a practicing senior radiologist. "This library represents a timeless treasure of epics and literary gems, serving as a vital repository of Urdu's cultural heritage. With the renovation of both the heritage building and the Karimi Library, we anticipate that no major restoration will be needed for at least the next century. Those who come after us to manage this institution will undoubtedly feel proud of our dedicated efforts."
Seated in his spacious ground-floor office, adorned with awards, shields, and framed photographs of Mumbai's iconic heritage buildings, Dr. Kazi shares an old booklet detailing Anjuman's rich history. The records reveal that in 1898, the renowned philanthropist Qazi Abdul Karim Porebanderi generously donated 4,418 books, primarily in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu. This generous contribution led to the library's founding, and in 1946, its purpose expanded with the establishment of an Urdu Research Institute within the same premises.
Modern Accessibility Meets Historical Preservation
Today, the library boasts a collection of over 30,000 books. It underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in 2010, which carefully preserved its priceless collection while significantly improving accessibility. A modern lift has been installed alongside the original wooden stairway, ensuring that the library remains accessible to all.
"Before we could install the lift, we had to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC) of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation," explains conservation architect Kirtida Unwalla. She has been instrumental in restoring several other iconic buildings across the city, including Juma Masjid, Afghan Church, and Eros Cinema.
"The most remarkable aspect of the Anjuman building is that it has consistently served as an educational institution throughout its history," Unwalla notes. "The structure exemplifies the Indo-Saracenic architectural style, blending Indian and Islamic design elements beautifully."
Historical Foundations and Architectural Legacy
Unwalla provides a photocopy of the plaque mounted on the heritage building, which documents its historical significance. The foundation stone of Anjuman was laid by Lord Reay, the Governor of Bombay, on March 31, 1890. The building was formally inaugurated on February 27, 1893, by another governor, George Robert Harris.
Long before this architectural marvel was constructed, Anjuman-i-Islam was founded in 1874 by a group of devout yet progressive Muslims. The organization was led by Badruddin Tyabji, who served as the third president of the Indian National Congress and became the first Indian Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court. The founding fathers included:
- Badruddin Tyabji
- His brother, Cumurruddin Tayabji
- Mohammad Ali Nakhuda Roghe
- Qazi Shahabuddin
- Rahmatullah Mohammed Sayani
- Haji Munshi Ghulam Mohammed
- Jairajbhoy Pirbhoy
The school began its journey with just three teachers and 130 pupils. An initial meeting held at the Town Hall to establish the institution attracted diverse communities, including Khojas, Memons, and Arabs. Today, Anjuman-i-Islam has grown exponentially, serving over one lakh students across 97 institutions with a dedicated staff of 3,000.
A Hub for Freedom and Intellectual Discourse
Beyond its educational contributions, the Anjuman building served as a discreet meeting place for many freedom fighters during India's struggle for independence. Notable figures such as Moinuddin Harris and Mustafa Fakih would gather here, often in secret, to discuss strategies and plans to challenge British colonial rule. This adds another layer of historical significance to the institution, marking it as a site of both intellectual pursuit and patriotic resistance.
The restoration of the Karimi Library not only preserves physical books and manuscripts but also revitalizes a space that has been central to Mumbai's educational, cultural, and political history for nearly 150 years.
