THE HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF MAILSI AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MASOOD JHANDIR RESEARCH LIBRARY

Abstract

People have loved, appreciated, respected, and read books throughout human history. The ancient habit of valuing books endures with the same robustness and enthusiasm despite the competition from electronic and digital media. Books have always been a source of fresh ideas and views, as seen by the large personal libraries that the nobility and aristocracy once owned. From ancient times, expensive books and rare collections with exquisite illustrations and illumination have been a source of pride for both the library and the custodian. The owners virtually never give the public access to their possessions since they are envious preservers and collectors. An important part of a nation’s overall development is its research libraries. These libraries are used by researchers for research purposes, opening up new avenues of knowledge for them. Many departments and organizations in Pakistan maintain their research library, to which the general public has very limited access. It is a wonderful pleasure that some well-off individuals have built strong private libraries and made them available to researchers. The “Masood Jhandir Research Library” in Sardarpur Jhandir, Tehsil Mailsi, district Vehari in Punjab province, Pakistan, is the outstanding example in this respect. It is said to be Pakistan’s largest private library. This study has made an effort to educate the public about the library’s hidden resources, which include a sizable number of priceless manuscripts. It has also draw attention to the library’s involvement in national research initiatives. Students, readers, and researchers will undoubtedly find this study useful in maximizing the use of libraries for their academic and research needs. It will encourage wealthy individuals and NGOs to start their collections along the lines of the Masood Jhandir Research Library. Additionally, it will increase research efforts and generate research academics for the country. The historical growth of the library, its holdings, management, and services will all be covered in this research.  It will increase research efforts and generate scholars for the country.  The background, historical evolution, collection, services, founding of the library, impact of the library on the surrounding areas, and power structure of Masood Jhandir Research Library are all covered in this paper.