The rare books collection is a multidisciplinary set of titles in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), acquired by Jammu University's central and departmental libraries over several decades. The books cover foundational and advanced knowledge in subjects such as botany, zoology, chemistry, physics, geology, mathematics, and engineering. Many titles date back to the mid-20th century or earlier and include standard reference works, early textbooks, field survey reports, and scientific terminologies published in English, Hindi, and Urdu. A significant feature of this collection is its relevance to the academic and regional history of STEM in Jammu and Kashmir. The books document early teaching resources used by faculty and students, highlight scientific surveys and studies conducted in the region, and reflect the efforts made to make STEM knowledge accessible in Indian languages. These materials offer valuable insight into how scientific disciplines were taught, developed, and localized in the context of the University. Today, the collection is an important record of academic heritage, capturing not only the content of scientific knowledge of its time but also the institutional and regional priorities of higher education in Jammu and Kashmir.
The rare books collection at Jammu University consists of titles acquired by the University's central and departmental libraries over many decades, dating from the early 20th century through the 1970s and later. These books were originally procured to support teaching and research needs in disciplines such as botany, chemistry, physics, geology, and engineering. Over time, many of these titles became uncommon or difficult to find, and they remained stored within departmental library almirahs and central stacks. This collection reflects the academic history of Jammu University and the types of reference materials that shaped higher education in the region. While these books were part of the active library collections in earlier decades, they are now recognized as rare and valuable for documenting the evolution of subject knowledge at the University.
Collection is open for access unless mentioned in specific folders of the finding aid.
Copyright may not have been assigned to Archives, National Centre for Biological Sciences. Permission for reproduction or distribution must be obtained in writing from the Archives at NCBS (archives@ncbs.res.in). The Archives at NCBS makes no representation that it is the copyright owner in all of its collections. The user must obtain all necessary rights and clearances before use of material and material may only be reproduced for academic and non-commercial use.
The collection is arranged in three series: Series 1- Books (3 items) Series 2- Reports (2 items) Series 3- Glossary (1 item, an engineering Shabdabali) Within each series, items are organised chronologically.
Processed as part of NCBS PAST 2025-26. Grantee Name: University of Jammu, Grant Title: Preserving and Digitizing Marginalized STEM Histories of Jammu and Kashmir. For details, see
Chemia
A chemistry textbook in Urdu, providing fundamental concepts, possibly aimed at early 20th-century students. Pre-independence Urdu scientific text from Jamia Usmania; extremely rare and culturally valuable.
Access Level 1: Online. See
Fitah-ul-Twareekh
A historical text with references to astronomy, likely presenting astronomical knowledge in historical context. Urdu historical-scientific text; very limited preservation and documentation.
Access Level 1: Online. See
Podhon Ka Jivan
A Hindi translation of Life of Plants by Frederick Keeble, explaining plant structure and physiology for a general audience. Rare Hindi translation published by Hindi Samiti; preserves science communication in regional languages.
Access Level 1: Online. See
Mineral Survey Reports: Precious and Semi-Precious Gemstones of Jammu and Kashmir
Government survey report documenting gemstone deposits and mining potential in J&K. Primary source for the region's mineral history; extremely rare government report.
Access Level 1: Online. See
Progress Report on Forest Administration in Jammu and Kashmir State for the Fasli Year 1986-87, ending 31st Assuj 1987 (16th October 1930)
Official report summarizing forest management, policies, and statistics for J&K in 1930. Primary government record from the pre-independence era; key archival material for environmental and administrative history.
Access Level 1: Online. See
Engineering-Shabdabali-1
A glossary of scientific and technical terminology in engineering, produced for standardization in Hindi. Government effort at standardizing scientific terminology in Hindi; very limited print runs.
Access Level 1: Online. See