MM Central State Library
Patiala
Digital Resource for the Mega Heritage Walk
Patiala
Digital Resource for the Mega Heritage Walk
Opened in 1955 and named after former Chief Minister and Sahitya Akademi Award-winning Giani Gurmukh Singh Musafir, the library boasts more than 95,000 books, including 15,000 with archival value, as well as 3,000 rare manuscripts and 100 volumes of Mahatma Gandhi's collected works.[2]
Foundation stone
White marble, inscribed in Hindi, English, and Gurmukhi, set into a sandstone/red brick wall. This bilingual/trilingual inscription reflects the official multilingualism of post-Independence Punjab.
Bronze Emblem: A metal (bronze/copper-alloy) roundel depicting the Lion Capital of Ashoka (four lions, back-to-back) - India’s national emblem adopted in 1950. Surrounding script: The words “सत्यमेव जयते” (Satyameva Jayate - “Truth Alone Triumphs”), inscribed in Devanagari along the bottom, with additional stylized characters encircling the emblem.
Located at the entrance foyer of the MM CS Library, this geometric floor design forms a striking visual centerpiece. The pattern - composed of alternating black and white stone triangles radiating from a central circle - resembles a compass rose or sunburst, symbolizing direction, knowledge, and illumination. Crafted from polished stone inlay, it reflects the design sensibilities of the early to mid-20th century, when symmetry and precision were integral to institutional architecture.
Bhagat Singh (1907–1931) was a revolutionary freedom fighter who became a powerful symbol of India’s struggle against British rule. Known for his courage, intellect, and strong sense of justice, he inspired generations with his fearless actions and writings. His protest against colonial oppression, including the symbolic bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly and his hunger strike in prison, reflected his vision of a free, equal, and awakened India. Though executed at just 23, Bhagat Singh’s legacy continues to embody the spirit of youthful idealism and sacrifice for the nation.
Mix of Art deco style and modernist architecture with an influence of neo-classical style architecture. Art Deco architecture is a design style from the 1920s and 1930s characterized by sleek lines, geometric patterns, rich ornamentation, and symmetry - this is seen in a lot of institutional buildings in India with a modern touch.
It reflects a blend of Neoclassical and Modernist architectural influences in its grand facade, symmetrical layout, and columned entrance, symbolising knowledge, stability, and cultural prestige. At the same time, the building’s clean lines, functional spaces, and minimal ornamentation reveal Modernist sensibilities, emphasizing utility and openness. Together, these elements create a harmonious balance between historic grandeur and contemporary simplicity -making the library both a heritage landmark and a timeless example of architectural evolution.
Standing tall over the Musafir Memorial Central State Library, Patiala, the 67-year-old clock tower has long been a timeless witness to the city’s evolving heritage. Installed in 1956, the clock was originally a mechanical masterpiece — powered by a manually wound system that needed regular recharging every 72 hours. For decades, its rhythmic ticking and bell chimes echoed across Mall Road, becoming an inseparable part of Patiala’s daily life and identity. Over time, however, wear and mechanical fatigue silenced this symbol of precision and pride. In 2023, during the Heritage Festival, the Iconic Timepiece was lovingly restored with efforts of Municipal Corporation Patiala, in collaboration with iHERITAGE Initiative of Patiala Foundation.The project successfully blended heritage preservation with modern innovation — replacing the old manual winding system with a GPS-based electronic mechanism that ensures accurate, automatic time-keeping. The clock’s original exterior design and analogue face have been carefully retained to honour its historic charm, while energy-efficient LED illumination now brings the tower to life each evening, creating a graceful harmony of the old and the new. Once again, the clock of the Musafir Memorial Central State Library resumes its steady rhythm — a symbol of continuity, craftsmanship, and the spirit of Patiala’s living heritage.[11]
For audio narration, click the corresponding spotify link on the right:
Please walk straight through the entrance and your next pause point will be the first room to the right - Reading Hall, and scan the QR code similar to the one shown here for more information
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For further information, contact: +91 9781000023 Email: contact@patialafoundation.org
This digital resource has been developed by Patiala Foundation under its iHERITAGE Initiative for the Mega Heritage Walk at Central State Library, Patiala, held on 9th November 2025. It was unveiled by Smt. Anindita Mitra, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Department of Higher Education and Languages, Government of Punjab.
Patiala Foundation is an organisation in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations(UN-ECOSOC) since 2018.
For any queries, suggestions and for more information, visit www.patialafoundation.org/iheritage