Our Legacy

1903

Motilal Banarsidass, having established a book shop in 1903 at Lahore (Pakistan), focused on publication of books, books of lasting value, those that delve deep in cultural heritage of India and Indian Philosophy.

After a modest start in 1903, Lala Motilal, a descendent from the family of Court Jewellers to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, set up a family business by opening a Spiritual Bookstore at Lahore which he placed under the charge of his son Lala Banarsidass.

1912

In 1912, Lala Banarsidass died at a young age and the responsibility of managing the bookshop devolved upon his younger brother, Lala Sunder Lal, who was a man of vision possessing a dynamic personality.

These qualities inspired him with a zeal to formulate a comprehensive programme of publication of ancient Sanskrit works in the manifold branches of this exntensive literature. In doing so, he sought the cooperation of many scholars.

1937

Soon, a printing unit was set up and the publishing house was established. In 1937, a branch was started in Patna at the suggestion of former President Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

Subsequently, during the Partition of India a riot burnt down the Lahore shop.

Shri Sundarlal Jain (extreme Left) with his well-wishers in consultation with the first President of Independent India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad

1947

After the unforeseen experience at Lahore as a result of the partition of India in 1947, built everything from the ground up in India.

Shri Sundarlal Jain (extreme Left) presenting Sabdakalpadrupam ( 5 Vols) in collaboration with the Govt. of India to the first President of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad

1950

Post independence, the family moved to India and initially stayed at Bikaner and Patna, before moving to Varanasi in 1950, where an office was set up in 1951, and finally shifted base to Delhi in 1958.

Shri Sundarlal Jain presenting Sabdakalpadrupam ( 5 Vols) in collaboration with the Govt. of India to the first President of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad

1962

Shri Harivansh Rai Bachchan presenting his Thesis published by MLBD to the first Prime Minister of India in the early 1960s with young Amitabh Bachchan in the background

1965

The Second President of India Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan being honoured by Lala Sunderlal Jain

Dr. S. Radhakrishnan was one of MLBD's long-term patrons

1985

The 7th Prime Minister of India Shri Rajiv Gandhi being presented with the original Ramacaritamanasa in mid 1980s

1987

The 7th President of India Shri Zail Singh meeting Shantilal Jain at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi in late 1980s

1992

In 1992, Shantilal Jain was awarded the Padma Shri by the Govt. of India.

The first ever Padma award for outstanding community service through publishing.

2003

MLBD celebrated its centenary in the year 2003.

Centenary Celebrations at MLBD's Bangalore Branch by Shri NP Jain from MLBD along with then Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri Ramakrishna Hegde

2004

The Wisdom of Vasistha written by author Raghunandan being presented to then President APJ Abdul Kalam in 2004

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