Home / Arts and Entertainment / Parsi doctor's collection built one of Delhi's oldest rare book houses
Parsi doctor's collection built one of Delhi's oldest rare book houses
12 Jul
Summary
- The Jain family's rare book business began in 1967.
- The collection features nearly 8,000 rare books and artworks.
- Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited their stall in 1984.
The Jain family's journey into rare books began in 1967 when they inherited a significant collection from a Parsi merchant. What started as a business deal evolved into a lifelong passion for GC Jain and his son. They meticulously built a collection of nearly 8,000 rare books, maps, prints, and artworks through patience and a keen historical eye.
Key milestones marked their path, including the purchase of 100 copies of the Constitution of India in 1984 for around Rs 100 each. That same year, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited their stall at the International Book Fair in New Delhi, a testament to their growing prominence.
Today, managed by the younger generation, the South Delhi store attracts a diverse clientele, from collectors and historians to students and international buyers. Rishabh and Rashi Jain are dedicated to preserving these historical treasures, painstakingly restoring torn pages and fragile bindings for future readers. Their online presence also introduces Gen Z to India's rich heritage.
