THE GOVERNMENT BOOK Depot on Ahmedabad (Gujarat) is located in the seventeenth century Azam Khan Sarai, which is next to or part of the Bhadra Fort, whose construction began in the early fifteenth century. Built in 1637 as a caravanserai, it was later used as an arsenal by the Mughals, and later as a prison by the British. Now, one of its cavernous halls with Persianate decoration houses the Government Book Depot.

The dark, cool Depot is filled with government publications. Most of those which we saw are in Gujrati and are printed versions of laws, regulations, proclamations, and other official business. Lofty alcoves leading off the main octagonal space are filled with books and booklets from floor to ceiling. I suppose/hope that someone knows what has been stored there and can lay their hands on what might be required.

The Depot is next to the often busy Khwaja Marketand a vibrant Hindu temple. Yet within its cool chamber it is a peaceful, shady haven. Various officials occupy the place, and there are seats for visitors to sit and read. Open for a few hours every day this Depot will appeal to lovers of libraries as well as to fans of Persian architecture.

In addition to housing the Depot, the Azam Khan Sarai contains various other government departments including one concerned with Scheduled Caste welfare.