Who was the first Librarian of the National Library of India after independence?

Question

Prepp Team · Accepted Answer

Understanding the National Library of India and its First Librarian

The question asks about the first Librarian of the National Library of India specifically after India gained independence. Understanding the history of this important institution is key to answering this question.

The National Library of India is the largest library in India by volume and a library of public record. It was formed by integrating the collections of the Imperial Library and several other libraries. The Imperial Library was renamed the National Library in 1948, shortly after independence, and was officially opened to the public as the National Library on February 1, 1953.

Identifying the First Post-Independence Librarian

After India's independence in 1947, the process of transforming the Imperial Library into the National Library began. The individual appointed to lead this transition and serve as the first Librarian of the National Library of India in the post-independence era holds a significant place in the history of Indian librarianship.

Let's look at the options provided:

K.M. Asadullah
D.R. Kalia
B.S. Kesavan
Kalpana Dasgupta

K.M. Asadullah served as the Librarian of the Imperial Library before independence (from 1930 to 1947). While he played a crucial role in the history of the library, he was not the first librarian *after* independence.

B.S. Kesavan was appointed as the first Librarian of the National Library of India after independence in 1947. He played a pivotal role in organizing and developing the library in its initial years as a national institution. His tenure marked the beginning of the National Library in its modern form.

D.R. Kalia was a prominent librarian and educator, known for his contributions to library development in India and internationally, but he was not the first Librarian of the National Library after independence.

Kalpana Dasgupta also served as a Director/Librarian of the National Library later in its history, long after independence.

Conclusion on the First Librarian

Based on historical records, B.S. Kesavan was the first person appointed as the Librarian of the National Library of India following the country's independence in 1947. He oversaw the transition from the Imperial Library to the National Library and laid the foundation for its future growth.

Comparing Key Figures (Briefly)

Name	Role	Period
K.M. Asadullah	Librarian, Imperial Library	Pre-Independence (1930-1947)
B.S. Kesavan	First Librarian, National Library of India	Post-Independence (Appointed 1947)
D.R. Kalia	Not the first post-independence Librarian	Later periods, other significant roles
Kalpana Dasgupta	Director, National Library of India	Much later period

Revision Table: National Library of India First Librarian

Question Aspect	Key Information
Institution	National Library of India
Time Period	After Indian Independence (1947 onwards)
Key Person Asked	First Librarian
Answer	B.S. Kesavan

Additional Information: Legacy of B.S. Kesavan

B.S. Kesavan served as the Librarian of the National Library from 1947 to 1963. His contributions were significant in establishing the library's collections, services, and administrative structure in the newly independent nation. He is often regarded as the father of library science in India due to his pioneering work not only at the National Library but also in professional education and associations.

The establishment of the National Library was a crucial step in preserving India's documentary heritage and making knowledge accessible to its citizens after independence. The role of the first librarian, B.S. Kesavan, in this foundational period was therefore extremely important.