DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN RELATION TO THE SOCIO-CULTURAL PROGRESS OF SOCIETY SINCE THE 19TH CENTURY: WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO BENGAL

During the 19th and 20th centuries, Bengal emerged as a vibrant center for socio-cultural and religious reform movements, driven by its early exposure to secular and liberal Western education. The establishment of modern institutions of higher learning—initiated by colonial authorities, European missionaries, and forward-thinking social reformers—sparked an intellectual awakening among Bengal's educated classes. This era, often referred to as the Bengal Renaissance, profoundly influenced the evolution of Bengali literature and language.Prominent social reformers of the period took the initiative to establish community libraries in their localities, creating accessible spaces for education and intellectual growth. Many of these historic libraries continue to serve communities today, providing valuable resources to youth, students, industrial workers, and lifelong learners.This paper seeks to explore how the legacy of the Bengal Renaissance shaped the development of public libraries in India during British colonial rule, while also examining the impact of gradual social changes on the public libraries of West Bengal.