Collections

The IIC Library has a rich and diverse collection of printed volumes, digital resources, maps, media and rare materials. The print collection comprises 57,070+ books, including 7,861+ media items, along with an extensive rare books section. The Library subscribes to 166 magazines, academic journals and national and international newspapers.

The collection is particularly strong in the social sciences and humanities, with holdings in philosophy, psychology, religion, social sciences, sociology, anthropology, statistics, political science, international relations, economics, law, public administration, military science, education, commerce, communications, customs and folklore, linguistics and literature. Selected works in pure sciences and applied sciences including technology, medicine, engineering, agriculture, home and family management, management studies, architecture, photography, arts, sports, entertainment, history, geography, travel and biography—further enrich the collection.

India Collection

This valuable section comprises 3,024 rare books, maps and documents on British India. The collection covers Indian history, archaeology, art and architecture, geography, natural sciences and medicine. It includes Persian-to-English translations related to Mughal history, with materials dating from the 17th to 20th centuries. Notable works include Philip Baldaeus’ publication (1672) and Col. Tod’s Annals of Rajasthan (1829), among others. The collection also contains rare journals, newspapers, dictionaries and lexicons of Indian languages.

Himalayan Club Collection

This specialized collection features 1,713 books on mountaineering, travel, adventure, Himalayan ecology and cultures. It includes works by William Douglas, L. J. Mackintosh, Markham Frederick, Fanny Parks, Giuseppe Tucci and F. E. Younghusband.

Bilgrami Collection

Donated by Sayeed Bilgrami, this section contains about 760 rare and reference books on Indian history, travel, biography, literature, philosophy, religion and folklore.

Walter Sykes George Collection

A curated set of conserved books and documents belonging to English architect Walter Sykes George, associated with early 20th-century New Delhi planning and notable architectural landmarks.

Dr. C. D. Deshmukh Collection

This archival collection includes 1,200 photographs, correspondence, press clippings, diaries, awards, medals and personal memorabilia of the first President of the India International Centre, documenting his public life and contributions.