Visits: Central Library, MKBU; Gandhi Smriti-Barton Museum; Barton Library
On January 5, 2024, we, the students of the Department of English at Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University embarked on a series of library visits in Bhavnagar, including the Central Library of our university, the Gandhi Smriti-Barton Museum, and Barton Library. These visits were meticulously organized by the Library Committee leaders, Insiya and Pooja, serve as a crucial introduction for Juniors to the diverse resources offered by the libraries and museum.
The day commenced with a visit to the Central Library of MK Bhavnagar University, where PG department students take advantage of the extensive book collection. Established in 1979, the Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University Library serves as an information hub for lecturers, students, and researchers associated with 24 postgraduate departments across constituent colleges. The library boasts an impressive collection, including over 1,57,000 books, 1547 theses, 112 periodicals (106 Indian and 6 Foreign), newspapers, bound volumes, CDs/DVDs, and a special collection of manuscripts.
Membership is open to researchers, lecturers, students, and administrative staff from the university's 26 postgraduate departments and affiliated colleges. Members receive an RFID-enabled laminated identity card, allowing PG students to borrow two books at a time. Books should be returned or renewed within 30 days, with a charge of one rupee per day for overdue books.
During the visit, the library accountant provided instructions on the online library portal, accessible through both mobile devices and university Libray computer. This tech-savvy approach facilitates easy exploration and retrieval of books of interest. Students thoroughly explored the library, including its diverse language sections, and borrowed books.
At the conclusion of the visit, instructions were provided on utilizing the library's borrowing and return machines, offering an enlightening experience. Senior students, with over a year of experience using the library, generously assisted juniors in navigating the library's resources.
At the Central Library, they also instructed us to make use of the recently launched e-library accessible to students, research scholars, and professors of our university.
Barton Museum
Following our visit to the Central Library, we proceeded to explore the Gandhi Smriti-Barton Museum. The museum is organized with the Barton Museum on the first floor and Gandhi Smriti on the second floor.
Barton Museum in Bhavnagar stands as one of the oldest museums in Saurashtra, with a rich heritage inherited from the ancient rulers of the state.
The roots of this historical institution can be traced back to 1881, during the reign of Emperor Takhtasinhji. Under the supervision of the then Deputy Minister Raobahadur Vijayashankar Gavrishankar, son of Gavrishankar Oza, the Ancient Investigation Department was established. The foundation of Barton Library and Museum was laid in 1882, and it officially opened its doors to the public in 1885.
In 1955, the museum found its new home in the specially constructed building of Gandhi Smriti Trust. Subsequently, the official administration was entrusted to the trust. Taking a significant step, the Museum Department of the state government of Gujarat initiated the formation of a museum department, bringing Barton Museum under its purview on October 28, 1982. Since then, the museum has been directly administered by the Museum Department of the Gujarat state government.
This multi-disciplinary museum boasts a diverse array of specimens, including sculptures, bronze paintings and statues, ancient coins, foundation specimens, tribal art/folk art specimens, weapons and ammunition, ancient fossils, ancient folk instruments, inscriptions, and dioramas depicting Kathi culture, among others.
Numerous artifacts and specimens have been unearthed from various villages and towns in Bhavnagar District, such as Mahuva (Madhumati), Katpar (Kundanpur), Talaja (Taaldhwaj), Timana (Timbanak), Hathab (Hastav Prak), as well as Nesdi, Ghogha, Budhels, Shihor, etc. These specimens serve as a reflection of our rich heritage and culture.
The museum's entrance features a diorama illustrating the birth of Earth and its various developmental stages. Notably, relics of a giant animal and fossils discovered in 1936 on Piram Island in the Khambhat Bay near Ghogha Port, 14 miles from Bhavnagar, provide insight into the evolution of ancient living organisms.
The sculpture gallery showcases Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist sculptures spanning from the 7th to the 15th century. Prominent figures include Trivikram (Vishnu), Sheshshayi Vishnu, Surya (Sun), Matrukas, Bhairav, Ganesh, Brahmani, Gandharva, Garud, Parvati, Avalokiteshwar, Bodhisattva, Karyotsarg, Data Dampati, and more.
In this section, Hindu and Jain statues crafted from mixed metals are on display, highlighting noteworthy aspects of Jain foundations.
An exclusive collection of copper plates emphasizes the significance of eternal charity during the royal regime. Prominent among these are the donation plates (Daan-patra) of King Dharsen in 561 A.D., King Shiladitya III in 662 A.D., and of Dhruvsen II in 629 A.D. Additionally, the Bhatark seal of the Maitrak kings at Vallabhi stands out. Ancient inscriptions throughout this section serve as reminders of our rich historical past.
The coin collection encompasses various ruling periods, including the Hiranya pin of Rigved time, the first coins of the republic of Mathura, Yodheya, Ujjain, Takshashila, and coins from the Panchmark, Greek Kshatrap, Gupta, Rajput, Mughal, and British eras. Coins from South India and local states of Gujarat, along with collected coins of Independent India, are also prominently displayed in this section.
The museum also consists artistic collection which includes carved wooden temples, dressing tables, wooden toys from Mahuva, earthen wares from Patan, marble jewelry boxes, metal utensils, ancient locks and keys from Shihor, as well as nutcrackers of various shapes.
In the realm of agriculture, a diverse array of farming tools such as kadiyu, Khapali, Orni, Dhundhiya, Beli, Tarlu, Ghosru, Plough, and more provide insights into traditional farming practices.
The folk instrument collection of Gujarat is rich and varied, featuring string instruments like chonku, Ramsagar, Tingri, Dobru, Ravanhatho, and Sarangi. Rhythm instruments including madal, Bhilodi, Dhol, Pakhwaj, Duf, Daak, Transa, Khanjari, Nargha, Nobat, Tur, Kasi, Joda, Manjira, Thali, Machhli, Khareto, and Karges, along with other instruments like sur, sharnai, mahuvar, roli, karnaat, bhungal, naagfani, kani, tota, are showcased in this section.
The arms and ammunition section features a Tamancha from the 15th century, a model of a 17th-century armored soldier equipped with various weapons, and an array of ancient weapons like Sang, Bhala, Khanjar, Manahai, Lahori, Aasyrian Swords, Tigernali, Jamaiya, Dhariya, and Top-Bandhuk.
Exquisite carvings in ivory and an attractive swing crafted from deer horns are also on display. The museum showcases replicas of wall paintings from Shihor Darbargadh, watercolor paintings by renowned Gujarat artists, and oil paintings by the illustrious painter Raja Ravi Verma, holding an exclusive position within the museum.
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The Gandhi Smruti complex, fondly referred to as the Gandhi Memorial, was inaugurated in 1955 and stands at the heart of Bhavnagar, directly facing a prominent clock tower. Serving as a testament to Mahatma Gandhi's legacy, the museum was established in the same year and has become a repository for books, rare photographs, and memorabilia that chronicle the life of the Father of the Nation.
Notably, Mahatma Gandhi's association with the University of Bhavnagar, a lesser-known fact, adds a unique dimension to the significance of the Gandhi Smruti complex. This living memorial, conceived in 1955, is intricately connected to the city's central clock tower, creating a symbolic and central point for reflection.
The museum offers a handy booklet providing insights into its references, aiding in the creation of this blog as well. Photography services are available for a fee of 100 rupees, and students enjoy discounted entrance fees. The cost is 5 rupees per head for regular visitors, 50 rupees for foreigners, and 2 rupees for students.
Within the Gandhi Smruti complex, visitors can explore a dedicated Gandhi picture gallery. This gallery showcases an extensive collection of rare photos, and memorabilia that provide a comprehensive narrative of Mahatma Gandhi's life, spanning from his birth to his passing. Complementing this, a small museum featuring ancient artifacts adds historical depth to the visitor's experience.
Furthermore, an established and meticulously organized library on the same floor is a crucial element of the Smruti, providing a valuable resource for individuals in search of profound insights into Mahatma Gandhi's life and teachings. According to the librarian, this library boasts a diverse collection of books across various fields. In the past, the library held significant renown, with a vast collection that catered to the needs of students, teachers, and citizens alike. The library was once a charming hub, frequented by those seeking knowledge and information, contributing to its reputation as a cherished and respected institution within the Gandhi Smruti complex.
Our final stop was the Barton Library, with its establishment dating back to December 30, 1882. King Takhtsinhji Gohil inaugurated the library on the same date and named it after the English political agent Colonel L. C. Barton. To cater to the reading needs of Bhavnagar, the late Diwan Gaurishankar Oza laid the foundation for the "Shri Chhaganbhai Desai Library" in C.E. 1860. This modest beginning was the precursor to the significant establishment known as the "Barton Library," a development that would later make waves in the literary landscape of Bhavnagar.
The library boasts thousands of Gujarati books spanning various subjects, making it an integral part of the state's literary heritage. Barton Library is regarded as an indispensable part of Gujarat's history, and book enthusiasts in the region aspire for it to be recognized as the best in the country. The grand building that now houses Majiraj Kanyashala near the corporation in Navapara was originally the Barton Library in 1882. Interestingly, Mahatma Gandhi was a regular reader, adding to the library's historical significance.
The general membership for the library spans one year from April to March and requires a payment of Rs. 500, covering subscription fees, a refundable deposit, and an entry fee. Members can borrow a single book for 20 days, with a Rs. 2 per day penalty for late returns. A magazine can be borrowed with a book, and a penalty is charged for late magazine returns. 'Diwali' magazines are issuable for 7 days. Lifetime membership spans ten years, costs Rs. 2500, allows borrowing four books for 30 days each, and follows similar rules for late returns and magazine borrowing.
Learning Outcome:
The visit proved to be incredibly enriching, particularly in exploring the vast array of books available. My heartfelt thanks go out to the leaders of the library committee for orchestrating such captivating excursions. Their remarkable enthusiasm has truly inspired us all. Despite having previously visited Gandhi Smriti, Barton Museum, and Barton Library, each visit continues to unveil something new, echoing the sentiments shared by Barad sir that every encounter, whether with books, articles, museums, etc., offers a fresh perspective.
As a student deeply engrossed in the realms of language and literature, delving into history—a force that has profoundly shaped our lives—has always held a special allure. As I wandered through the museum, I found my perspectives shifting, gaining profound insights through the act of observation. For instance, the ancient carvings I encountered revealed a candid portrayal of various aspects of life, including sexuality, shedding light on the openness of ancient societies. These sculptures transcend mere artifacts; they encapsulate the essence of past civilizations—their way of life, their beliefs, and their artistic expressions.
One recurring theme emphasized by Barad sir is that every encounter with the past, be it through visiting a place or examining artifacts, offers a glimpse into the lives of people from bygone eras. Exploring Gandhi Smriti, and encountering authentic images of Mahatma Gandhi, served as a poignant reminder of their struggles, regardless of differing interpretations. Through my visits to both Barton Museum and Gandhi Smriti, I've discerned striking parallels between historical events and contemporary issues, recognizing recurrent patterns that transcend time. This historical consciousness, nurtured through the study of literature, enables us to bridge the gap between past and present occurrences.
Furthermore, the act of observation often unveils a sense of absence, as elucidated by Derrida in the concept of the metaphysics of presence. Noting what is missing prompts us to question and contemplate alternative truths. Thus, cultivating a habit of critical scrutiny becomes indispensable. These insights not only deepen our understanding gleaned from these visits but also underscore the importance of examining both historical and contemporary phenomena with a discerning eye.
[Note: I have taken some portion from my classmate Trushali Dodiya's Blog.]
Thank you so much for reading this blog...
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