Attic finds

Pics/Bipin Kokate

On a sweltering day, we drop by the new book nook at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS). Tucked on the mezzanine level of the museum's gift shop, a wooden stairway with Prussian blue, night-like walls says c'mon in.

It overlooks the lawns and museum

There are no specific categories, and books seamlessly find their sweet spot. As we browse through titles on art and culture and Indian textiles, a handwritten note inside a book catches the eye. It is Neil MacGregor's A History of the World in 100 Objects. The note has been mindfully left by curators Ahalya Naidu and Meethil Momaya - the couple who runs Bandra's Trilogy bookshop and library. They share how they want serendipity to guide reading, "We started this tradition [notes] in Trilogy in 2014, and carried it forward in pop-ups, literary events and festivals. Although we interact with nearly every reader we meet, there's always more to say. We felt, through the notes, serendipity could play a huge role in nudging readers to unusual titles." When they got the opportunity to curate books here, the duo wanted to find books that fit into the museum. Naidu explains, "Our intention is to present a tightly assembled bookshop worthy of its presence within the hallowed environs of this 100-year-old museum. There is so much beauty here; each object is a portal through history to long-forgotten traditions and peoples."

The striking walls

Books like Between Memory and Museum by Arun and Gita Wolf, Rembrandt and the Inspiration of India, Musings in the Museum by Harsha V Dehejia and Manu S Pillai's The Ivory Throne grabbed our attention. There's a well-stocked section for children that includes titles such as The Girl Who Loved To Sing: Teejan Bai, and BRER Rabbit Retold. With an expansive reading list on history, heritage and multi-ethnicity, Naidu reveals factors they are very conscious of, "We are aware of the store's limited space, the astonishing breadth of the objects in the museum, year-round ideas focused on the centenary celebrations, and the needs of the visitors." They intend to add genres like poetry and graphic art, but the focus will remain on enhancing the museum's collection.

We would've liked for more seating to enrich our experience. But a framed Areca palm on one of the night-coloured walls transported us to an oasis of calm. Had it not been for the wind, we wouldn't know it was a window bringing the outside in.

Time 10.15 am to 6 pm, all days
At CSMVS, MG Road, Fort.