Air Raid Protection Shelter Turned Library in Shalibanda, Hyderabad

May 10, 2025

It is a library with a difference - the Bharat Gunavardhak Sanstha in Shalibanda, Hyderabad, was once an air raid shelter during World War II. Rai Mahbub Narayan collected 50,000 books post-war. Named by Gunde Rao Harkare, it stands on a two-storey structure adjacent to the bunker. While struggling with staffing and maintenance, this unique library remains significant in Hyderabad's history.

Tags: Air raid shelter, Library, Hyderabad, Bharat gunavardhak sanstha,