The word ‘museum’ conjures a very typical idea in most minds. Images of art, archeology, general, natural history and natural science, science and technology and history come to mind. But there is so much more to the institution. Extensive research and work goes into creating every single collection of a museum. The roles that museums play go beyond its functionality of exhibition. They establish the backbone for study in the historical, educational as well as cultural context of a living society.
Founded to serve several purposes like that of a scholarly and recreational venue, a minefield of educational resources, museums contribute to the quality of life of the area where they are located even by attracting tourism to the region and also by promoting civic pride or nationalistic endeavour. While having a variety of purposes, each museum is unique in its form and content. While the function of a museum is predominately to collect, preserve and display objects of historical, scientific, artistic, and cultural interest, it has a responsibility to both the exhibits and the viewers which it serves with one of its most empowering facets – the power of social engagement. Hosting unique events and bringing exhibits from other museums, are some of the means which work at encouraging more foot fall.
A unique concept of the museum is the Home Museum, where the collection is housed by the collector who opens his home to the public for viewing. This venture by an individual or family does just as much service to the community as a museum. It is the individual’s enthusiasm for collecting and knowing one’s history and culture that gives birth to these incredible collections. Though many do have their own private collections, the importance of it is sharing knowledge via the collections with the public and the readiness to continuously strive to contribute to the preservation of our past, makes these museums/collections so very distinctive.
The legacy of these home collections and home museums, are a remarkable testament to an individual’s passion for knowledge sharing and most certainly does deserve more recognition and support. All these collectors are bound by a common goal: the preservation and interpretation of some material aspect of society’s cultural consciousness.
We are fortunate to have many such home collections/ museums in Baroda. Though they may not be open to public every day, they are accessible when the collectors decide on showing publicly (and often on request). Several collections have been on display during special events like the Vadodara Peoples Heritage festival held during the National Heritage week over the years.
A look at some of the amazing collections of local collectors in the city, many who do display at their home museums.
1. Collection of 501 Water Pots of all materials, shapes and sizes – Mr. Atul Shah
2. Collection of Traditional Lamps, PaanPeti, and Vintage Books – Mr. Manubhai Nirmal,
3. Collection of Children’s Wheeled Toys – Mr.Trushar Rana
4. Collection of Baroda State Antiques – Mr. Kiran Shah
5. Old Camera and Pocket Watch Collection – Shri Raj Panchal
6. Baroda State Medals and Envelopes – Vinod Shah
7. A Collection of antique traditional Lamps, PaanPeti, glasses, Boxes, Ash trays -Shri Abhaysing Baria
8. All About Teeth, Dr. Chandarana’s Dental Museum
9. Baroda state Palaces and Sayajirao statues Exhibition: a photographic collection – Shri Vijay Shirke
10. Coins of Baroda State – Jeckysingh Chouhan
11. Malkhamb Films collection – Chandrashekhar Patil
12. Collection of Calligraphy tools: Ink pots, Quills, Nib Pens- Manish Soni
13. Collection of hand-written manuscripts (hasta likhit granth) -Shri Harshad Kadia
14. Collection of Calendars – Arun Majumdar.
15. Artist Atul Padia has been an avid collector of Match Boxes for many decades.
16. Collection of Chocolate Wrappers – Jayanti Chavda
For more details on the home museums and collections please visit the Vadodara Peoples Heritage facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/VadodaraPeoplesHeritageFestival
Home Museums of Vadodara, Image Source: Shivani Pikle
