Lucknow is famous for its language of adab. No wonder it is also known as a literary hub. For connoisseurs of the Urdu language and literature, we have a find they will love! Danish Mahal in Aminabad – a bookstore that specialises in Urdu books. The store is easily the oldest Urdu bookstore in Lucknow, and dates back to 1939. Pay a visit to this pre-independence era bookstore, located in the narrow lanes of Aminabad – slightly dilapidated but still carries the literary scent of Sham-e- Awadh.
Danish Mahal, which translates to ‘Palace of Wisdom,’ is a one-of-a-kind Urdu bookshop in Aminabad. When it was established was an outlet store of Maktaba, a renowned Urdu book publishing house. In the days of yore, Danish Mahal used to be a hub for literary greats from the city to meet up and discuss language, literature, language, and current affairs. Josh Malihabadi, Ram Lal, Abdul Majid Daryabadi, Ale Ahmed Suroor, Abdul Haq – also known as the Father of Urdu among many – are a few names who used to frequent the store in its hey days.
The place still attracts a stream of poets, writers, journalists, academicians, students, and even wanderers who would like to browse through some rare books over a cup of tea. A wide range of books on history, fiction, anthologies, novels, magazines, and many more are available at Danish Mahal.
Apart from the old world charm, the rarest portraits of Urdu poets and writers like Mirza Ghalib, Allama Iqbal, Ameer Minai, Mas’hafi, Munshi Premchand and others adorn the walls of Danish Mahal, offering a visual treat to visitors.
Next time you are in the vicinity of Aminabad, drop in here to browse or buy some Urdu books.
Contact: 9792361533
Timings: 10:30 AM – 9 PM
Location: Taxi stand, A-21, Dr. BN Verma Road, Khyali Ganj, Aminabad, Lucknow
