Opened in 1886, the library specialises in the history and culture of South Asia, Tibet and the Himalayas.
[1] The Indian Institute and its library were originally based in the building on the corner of Holywell and Catte Street.
Traces of the building's original function are still visible, including the gilded weathervane which depicts an elephant with a howdah.
The move was not without controversy, since the original building had been constructed with the express intention of providing a permanent home to the institute.
[5] To access the books, readers have to request their delivery to other reading rooms of the Bodleian library.