Change what you want, but dont let the books die
The Asiatic Society is set for renovation, but Mumbaikars need to be involved, say library trustees………Avantika Sharma
The Asiatic Society is set for renovation, but Mumbaikars need to be involved, say library trustees………Avantika Sharma
If you climb up the spectacular steps of the imposing Town Hall at Mumbai’s Horniman Circle, you’ll enter the Asiatic Society of Bombay’s library. Stepping into this ancient building, is taking a giant leap back in time its interiors remind you of a world that was. Deep brown wood panelling, huge white pillars, shelves after shelves of books and a handful of people engrossed in those books all this, plus a silence which is difficult to find anywhere in Mumbai greet you.
One of the oldest structures of Mumbai, the Asiatic Society was known as The Bombay Literary Society when it was founded by Sir James Mackintosh in 1804. The majestic white building that we see today, however, was erected in 1833 and is home to treasures of books and periodicals, ancient manuscripts, painted folios, coins, artefacts, maps and rare prints. Unlike other libraries that build their collection by purchasing books, the Asiatic got many of its valuable books from authors and researchers who spent countless hours sitting in these halls writing their books. “The literary renaissance of Western India started at the Asiatic Library. Dr PV Kane wrote The History Of Dharmasastra here,” says Aroon Tikekar, president of the Asiatic Society of Bombay.
While walking through the antique corridors, which have witnessed and preserved history for more than two centuries, one feels that the glory is slipping away quickly. “The condition of many old books is deteriorating. They have to be put through a complicated process if we wish to protect them from further degeneration. And for this, we need both funds and manpower,” says Tikekar.
A prominent feature of the Asiatic Society is the Durbar Hall where numerous scholars and historians have held lectures. Public meetings, general body meetings and exhibitions are also held here.
But what was once a defining feature of the hall now hinders the gatherings that are held there. “The hall has a magnificent dome because of which sound reverberates and becomes unclear. To tackle this problem, we need high-quality sound systems and professional assistance. And there is a lot of seepage in the walls, which is unpleasant to the eye and is harming the priceless paintings that adorn the walls,” explains Tikekar.
With the money that the MMRDA has sanctioned for the renovation of the Asiatic Society, the members will carry out all that they have planned to do for so long. But till the citizens of Mumbai start taking care of the Society, not much will change. “Earlier, a lot people used to come to the library. They would treat it like it was their own. But now that culture no longer exists. The books as well as the building, are being neglected,” laments Tikekar.
In order to involve the public, the Asiatic has a programme called ‘Adopt a Book’ where people can pay for the preservation of books. Some corporate houses are coming forward to adopt books, but the need of the hour is the Mumbaikar’s involvement.
The Asiatic Society of Bombay has been the breeding ground for great historians and researchers. For now, it stands in all its glory, holding on to a rich past and beckoning the future as the world passes it by.