Tantra Foundation Library offers public access in Chhattarpur

Professor Madhu Khanna’s home at Hari Bhari Farm in Chhattarpur houses the Tantra Foundation Library, a specialist collection open to the public.

The library focuses on art, archaeology, Indology, religion and trans-continental cultures. It occupies part of Khanna’s residence, a 1970s-era farm building with limestone walls, Kota stone floors, a skylit first-floor living room, and gardens planted with neem, curry patta, amaltas and bougainvillea.

Khanna is a scholar of Tantra and goddess-centred Shakta traditions. She directed Jamia Millia Islamia’s Centre for the Study of Comparative Religion and Civilizations, held a Tagore National Fellowship at the National Museum, and curated Tantra art for institutions including the British Museum and MoMA.

Hari Bhari Farm dates to a period when Chhattarpur was still farmland. The approach remains an unpaved path, while the estate has reduced in size as surrounding land values grew. Shelves in the library include books awaiting return to their places.