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DAVID SASSOON LIBRARY: THE EXPERINCE
It’s late in the afternoon at the David Sassoon Library in Mumbai. Situated in the city's Kala Ghoda district, the library stands regal and pleasantly full with visitors leafing through books and magazines. As you move forward into the Gothic Structure, peace and serenity envelopes one and all. One can’t help but gaze at the magnificent architecture of this building; also listed among the 145 buildings that are specially preserved by the Government. The old world charm makes you forget about the fast-paced life of Mumbai. The David Sassoon Library and Reading offers an insight into the world of knowledge and enlightenment.
A group of young mechanics and foremen of the Royal Mint and Government Dockyard established a museum and library for mechanical models and architectural design, in 1847, which led to the creation of the Sassoon Library. In 1863, Sir David Sassoon, a leading banker of Mumbai, contributed Rs.60000/- to the government to build a Mechanic's Institute, now called the David Sassoon Library. This Venetian Gothic styled structure, completed in 1870, forms part of an important ensemble of buildings, that are crucial for the image of the Fort Area. The building was formally inaugurated on March 24, 1870, after Sir Albert Sassoon, son of David Sassoon, offered another large sum for bookshelves.
As you explore the magnificence of the library there is one thing that will pleasantly surprise you. The David Sassoon Library is the only library in Mumbai to have a garden! A unique and most enchanting feature of the library is a very well maintained garden in its backyard. It is a 'green lung' amidst the vibrant and crowded commercial area. Stepping into it takes you into a world which is at once, far removed from the mundane hubbub of the metropolis. Here, one can enjoy the works of great authors, indulge in philosophical musings or simply sit back with eyes closed music, relaxing one's strained nerves. This garden which offers solace to its visitors in steer and strain, is another valuable asset of the library
Silence reigns in the reading room the garden behind the building. Visitors, including many silvers, lounge, read newspapers, chat softly to each other, or snooze. Interrupt a young Law student Meena Singh from her reverie to ask her why she comes here all the way from Kandivali, a Mumbai suburb, and you get a terse reply: "What do you do for time-pass? You watch TV, read magazines or go shopping. I sit here in silence and read when I want to."
Bharat Dharian too enjoys the silence, and the collection on offer. The Opera House resident has been coming here for 20 years. “There are so many newspapers available here in so many languages as well. It is a daily dose of entertainment for me!” says Dharian, a proud lifetime member of the prestigious library and an advocate by profession. He calls the library “the best address in Mumbai”.
So what keeps them so hooked to the library? May be it’s the architecture. The library is surrounded by 19th century imposing stone structures of its own kind like the Army and Navy Building and Watson's Hotel. The striking façade is propped up by grey and black pillars and sharp arches in grey and white. The foyer is dim, with black-and-white sketches of old Bombay on the walls. The patterned floor tiles smell of dust and despite the old lamps and chandeliers, the large marble statue of Sassoon, 'The Merchant Prince of Bombay', sculpted by English artist T Woolner, looks pallid. But there's light and sunshine at the end of the entrance hall where the garden begins.
You take the winding wooden staircase to reach the newspaper racks and reading room on the second floor of the three-storied building. The library is open every day, from 8 am to 9 pm. The library also allows people to come in with their own reading material and sit as long as they want to. The adjoining terrace is an idyllic spot for a leisurely read or siesta on the rattan chaise lounges and quaint reclining chairs. Many regulars head straight to the terrace, book in hand, from the reading room.
The library, which charges Rs 500 for a year's membership and Rs. 5,000 for a life membership, relies on the largesse of people, whose donations have enabled the library to buy English books and undertake restoration work. A library committee comprising 15 members scouts for donors and contributions from corporate houses. The library today still boasts of growing membership. It houses a large collection of very rare old books. The reading room is frequented often by working students due to its convenient location in the heart of the business district. In 1996, on the occasion of its 150thAnniversary, an extensive fund-raising exercise was undertaken for the first major restoration efforts carried out to the Library.
The library houses over 40,000 books, many of them rare volumes from the Raj era. Many senior readers visit the library on fixed days or hours. Out of the 5000-odd library members, at least a thousand are senior citizens. The old-world cupboards in the reading room have old and new labels - 'Literature', 'History', 'Philosophy' and 'Fine Arts' reside peacefully with 'Crime', 'Gujarati' and 'Marathi' sections.
The library today has become a landmark, "one of the most beautiful spaces in the city," in the words of Phille Skhmerbecki, urban historian, architect and a regular visitor. "This is not just a place to take your afternoon nap but a perfect setting to read and exchange creative ideas," he says. "And I truly love the architecture and the wonderful garden”, he adds. The New Yorker says, “If I have my friends coming on visits here in Mumbai, this is the first place I bring them to”. The Sassoon Library is a popular tourist attraction in South Mumbai.
The garden, with its cobbled walk and tangled greenery, has become a favoured venue for Kala Ghoda art festivals, kavi sammelan and music concerts. For regular visitors to the library, it is the perfect place to relax on stone benches and plastic chairs, enjoying the gentle breeze that wafts through the air. It is the perfect place to catch up with friends and air their views on life, people and, of course, the library.
But all this and much more would not have been possible without one man. If David Sassoon had not come with the money, Mumbaikars would have been deprived of this state-of-the-art-structure. Many people have no clue here as to how would be there evenings like if the library did not exist.
David Sassoon was a wealthy merchant in Mumbai who had come from Baghdad. Born in October 1792, he was the son of a wealthy businessman, Saleh Sassoon, also the leader of the Jewish community in Baghdad. Following increasing persecution of Baghdad's Jews by Daud Pasha, the family moved to Bombay via Persia. Sassoon was in business in Bombay no later than 1832, originally acting as a middleman between British textile firms. David Sassoon kept expanding his business and took it to new heights. Soon, he was able to overtake the Parsi businessmen of Bombay.
It was not until the 1860s that the Sassoons were able to lead the Baghdadi Jewish community in overtaking Parsi dominance. Later David Sassoon entered the mill business and soon came to be known as the ‘Badshah of the business community of Bombay’. Overall the Sassoons owned 17 mills, each mill having around 15 to 20,000 workers. He lived with his family at Byculla's Bungalow which was in fact actually a Palace named Shin Sangoo. This was later donated to the Parsi Trust and is today's Massina Hospital. Nearby, the Victoria Garden (present day Rani Baugh) was also the property of the Sassoons and was donated to the Bombay Municipal Corporation for the Construction of the Albert Museum, designed by the most prominent Architect of the time. The interior is exactly like the Magen David synagogue of Mumbai and Ohel David synagogue of Pune. It also has the famous Victoria Clock Tower.
David Sassoon as an Orthodox Jew continued his Jewish religious observances, observing the Jewish Sabbath throughout his busy life and was also a member of the Legislative Assembly of the time. He built one of the largest and most beautiful synagogues of India, the Magen David synagogue at Byculla, Bombay. He also built the Ohel David Synagogue of Pune. Today these are well known tourist attractions and form an important part of the cultural heritage of India. Various charity trusts were named after him and other members of his family, funded from his private income and does still in existence today. David Sassoon one of the Great peoples of Bombay, who created so many monuments and educational institutions, building great buildings that have become the most prominent places of Bombay and Pune. He also constructed the Sassoon Dock at Colaba, one of the largest docks ever built in Bombay.
The Sassoon Docks is the main fish loading and training centre in South Mumbai today. It is situated just off Cuffe Parade in South Mumbai.It was built by David Sassoon in the year 1875. It is Mumbai’s thriving fish market which is a brilliant dockside hub for buying and selling. The competition between the vendors is fierce and there is always a huge mass of people going to and fro.
David Sassoon was conscious of his role as a business leader of the main financial centre of British India. He even contributed in building probably the most prominent structure in Mumbai, The Gateway of India. Some other prominent institutions and buildings that have been built or contributed by the Sassoons include The David Sassoon Reformary and Deaf school, Matunga, Mumbai, Elphiston Technological School, Parel, Mumbai, Jacob Sasooon High School, Byculla, Mumbai, Lady Rachel Sassoon Dispensary, Pune, David Sassoon Vridha Ashram, Pune etc.
The David Sassoon Library was not just a project, but an experience. The architecture, the heritage and the knowledge of more than 40,000 books; all housed under one roof designed by J. Campbell and G.E. Gosling for the Scott McClelland and Company ;spread in 1485 square yards amazes you. The David Sassoon Library and Reading Room, the first building to come up at the southern end of the Esplanade, has since its completion in 1870, been a landmark. Today the building finds itself in the list of 145 old buildings which have been declared as protected monuments by the government.
More recently, Timothy Sassoon, the great-great-great grandson of David Sassoon, who owns a visual effects and post-production studio in Santa Monica, California, visited David Sassoon Library on 15th April 2011.He gave a generous donation of 25000 USD to the library. At the library, officials showed Timothy around. "I'm very glad that my ancestor was interested enough in the community to give them such an institution," Timothy said.
The library has recently set up an art gallery near the entrance of the building to encourage young, upcoming, talented artists to exhibit their art materials. It has made optimum use of the donations provided by generous donors and avid readers to restore the library to its present state and by even giving a faint look to it, one can make out that the management has done a good job.
The library also gives jobs to those in need of shelter, continuing the legacy of David Sassoon who was involved in various social works. The library's main assets are the rare books. Some of the books in the library's treasure are published way back in the year 1798. A temple of knowledge, the library boasts of one of the best and rarest collections of books that sets it apart.
So now, if you are sitting idle in a boring afternoon, with nothing much on your agenda but have a quest for knowledge; you know where is the place you ought to be. And even if reading is not what you would like to do, just being there in its subtle atmosphere with delightful people might lead to a self-discovery. Just grab a cup of coffee and enjoy reading!
WEBLIOGRAPHY
• kiranmkeswani(at)gmail(dot)com.”Fish market Mumbai” INDIAN BAZAARS. Anonymous. Tuesday, April 27, 2010. KIRAN KESWANI. 2 AUGUST 2011 10:09:34.http://indianbazaars.blogspot.com/20...ks-mumbai.html
• Anonymous.”Introduction” DAVID SASSOON LIBRARY AND READING ROOM Anonymous.primetech software. 3 August 2011. 09:05:67 PM.
<http://www.davidsassoonlibrary.com>
CONTRIBUTIONS
Introduction to the library: Mariya Sethjiwala
History of the Library : Tejasvi Momaya
History of David Sassoon: Deepshikha Narang
Interviews : Deepshikha Narang, Tejasvi Momaya
Sassoon Docks : Abhishikta Ray
Compiled By : Mariya Sethjiwala
It’s late in the afternoon at the David Sassoon Library in Mumbai. Situated in the city's Kala Ghoda district, the library stands regal and pleasantly full with visitors leafing through books and magazines. As you move forward into the Gothic Structure, peace and serenity envelopes one and all. One can’t help but gaze at the magnificent architecture of this building; also listed among the 145 buildings that are specially preserved by the Government. The old world charm makes you forget about the fast-paced life of Mumbai. The David Sassoon Library and Reading offers an insight into the world of knowledge and enlightenment.
A group of young mechanics and foremen of the Royal Mint and Government Dockyard established a museum and library for mechanical models and architectural design, in 1847, which led to the creation of the Sassoon Library. In 1863, Sir David Sassoon, a leading banker of Mumbai, contributed Rs.60000/- to the government to build a Mechanic's Institute, now called the David Sassoon Library. This Venetian Gothic styled structure, completed in 1870, forms part of an important ensemble of buildings, that are crucial for the image of the Fort Area. The building was formally inaugurated on March 24, 1870, after Sir Albert Sassoon, son of David Sassoon, offered another large sum for bookshelves.
As you explore the magnificence of the library there is one thing that will pleasantly surprise you. The David Sassoon Library is the only library in Mumbai to have a garden! A unique and most enchanting feature of the library is a very well maintained garden in its backyard. It is a 'green lung' amidst the vibrant and crowded commercial area. Stepping into it takes you into a world which is at once, far removed from the mundane hubbub of the metropolis. Here, one can enjoy the works of great authors, indulge in philosophical musings or simply sit back with eyes closed music, relaxing one's strained nerves. This garden which offers solace to its visitors in steer and strain, is another valuable asset of the library
Silence reigns in the reading room the garden behind the building. Visitors, including many silvers, lounge, read newspapers, chat softly to each other, or snooze. Interrupt a young Law student Meena Singh from her reverie to ask her why she comes here all the way from Kandivali, a Mumbai suburb, and you get a terse reply: "What do you do for time-pass? You watch TV, read magazines or go shopping. I sit here in silence and read when I want to."
Bharat Dharian too enjoys the silence, and the collection on offer. The Opera House resident has been coming here for 20 years. “There are so many newspapers available here in so many languages as well. It is a daily dose of entertainment for me!” says Dharian, a proud lifetime member of the prestigious library and an advocate by profession. He calls the library “the best address in Mumbai”.
So what keeps them so hooked to the library? May be it’s the architecture. The library is surrounded by 19th century imposing stone structures of its own kind like the Army and Navy Building and Watson's Hotel. The striking façade is propped up by grey and black pillars and sharp arches in grey and white. The foyer is dim, with black-and-white sketches of old Bombay on the walls. The patterned floor tiles smell of dust and despite the old lamps and chandeliers, the large marble statue of Sassoon, 'The Merchant Prince of Bombay', sculpted by English artist T Woolner, looks pallid. But there's light and sunshine at the end of the entrance hall where the garden begins.
You take the winding wooden staircase to reach the newspaper racks and reading room on the second floor of the three-storied building. The library is open every day, from 8 am to 9 pm. The library also allows people to come in with their own reading material and sit as long as they want to. The adjoining terrace is an idyllic spot for a leisurely read or siesta on the rattan chaise lounges and quaint reclining chairs. Many regulars head straight to the terrace, book in hand, from the reading room.
The library, which charges Rs 500 for a year's membership and Rs. 5,000 for a life membership, relies on the largesse of people, whose donations have enabled the library to buy English books and undertake restoration work. A library committee comprising 15 members scouts for donors and contributions from corporate houses. The library today still boasts of growing membership. It houses a large collection of very rare old books. The reading room is frequented often by working students due to its convenient location in the heart of the business district. In 1996, on the occasion of its 150thAnniversary, an extensive fund-raising exercise was undertaken for the first major restoration efforts carried out to the Library.
The library houses over 40,000 books, many of them rare volumes from the Raj era. Many senior readers visit the library on fixed days or hours. Out of the 5000-odd library members, at least a thousand are senior citizens. The old-world cupboards in the reading room have old and new labels - 'Literature', 'History', 'Philosophy' and 'Fine Arts' reside peacefully with 'Crime', 'Gujarati' and 'Marathi' sections.
The library today has become a landmark, "one of the most beautiful spaces in the city," in the words of Phille Skhmerbecki, urban historian, architect and a regular visitor. "This is not just a place to take your afternoon nap but a perfect setting to read and exchange creative ideas," he says. "And I truly love the architecture and the wonderful garden”, he adds. The New Yorker says, “If I have my friends coming on visits here in Mumbai, this is the first place I bring them to”. The Sassoon Library is a popular tourist attraction in South Mumbai.
The garden, with its cobbled walk and tangled greenery, has become a favoured venue for Kala Ghoda art festivals, kavi sammelan and music concerts. For regular visitors to the library, it is the perfect place to relax on stone benches and plastic chairs, enjoying the gentle breeze that wafts through the air. It is the perfect place to catch up with friends and air their views on life, people and, of course, the library.
But all this and much more would not have been possible without one man. If David Sassoon had not come with the money, Mumbaikars would have been deprived of this state-of-the-art-structure. Many people have no clue here as to how would be there evenings like if the library did not exist.
David Sassoon was a wealthy merchant in Mumbai who had come from Baghdad. Born in October 1792, he was the son of a wealthy businessman, Saleh Sassoon, also the leader of the Jewish community in Baghdad. Following increasing persecution of Baghdad's Jews by Daud Pasha, the family moved to Bombay via Persia. Sassoon was in business in Bombay no later than 1832, originally acting as a middleman between British textile firms. David Sassoon kept expanding his business and took it to new heights. Soon, he was able to overtake the Parsi businessmen of Bombay.
It was not until the 1860s that the Sassoons were able to lead the Baghdadi Jewish community in overtaking Parsi dominance. Later David Sassoon entered the mill business and soon came to be known as the ‘Badshah of the business community of Bombay’. Overall the Sassoons owned 17 mills, each mill having around 15 to 20,000 workers. He lived with his family at Byculla's Bungalow which was in fact actually a Palace named Shin Sangoo. This was later donated to the Parsi Trust and is today's Massina Hospital. Nearby, the Victoria Garden (present day Rani Baugh) was also the property of the Sassoons and was donated to the Bombay Municipal Corporation for the Construction of the Albert Museum, designed by the most prominent Architect of the time. The interior is exactly like the Magen David synagogue of Mumbai and Ohel David synagogue of Pune. It also has the famous Victoria Clock Tower.
David Sassoon as an Orthodox Jew continued his Jewish religious observances, observing the Jewish Sabbath throughout his busy life and was also a member of the Legislative Assembly of the time. He built one of the largest and most beautiful synagogues of India, the Magen David synagogue at Byculla, Bombay. He also built the Ohel David Synagogue of Pune. Today these are well known tourist attractions and form an important part of the cultural heritage of India. Various charity trusts were named after him and other members of his family, funded from his private income and does still in existence today. David Sassoon one of the Great peoples of Bombay, who created so many monuments and educational institutions, building great buildings that have become the most prominent places of Bombay and Pune. He also constructed the Sassoon Dock at Colaba, one of the largest docks ever built in Bombay.
The Sassoon Docks is the main fish loading and training centre in South Mumbai today. It is situated just off Cuffe Parade in South Mumbai.It was built by David Sassoon in the year 1875. It is Mumbai’s thriving fish market which is a brilliant dockside hub for buying and selling. The competition between the vendors is fierce and there is always a huge mass of people going to and fro.
David Sassoon was conscious of his role as a business leader of the main financial centre of British India. He even contributed in building probably the most prominent structure in Mumbai, The Gateway of India. Some other prominent institutions and buildings that have been built or contributed by the Sassoons include The David Sassoon Reformary and Deaf school, Matunga, Mumbai, Elphiston Technological School, Parel, Mumbai, Jacob Sasooon High School, Byculla, Mumbai, Lady Rachel Sassoon Dispensary, Pune, David Sassoon Vridha Ashram, Pune etc.
The David Sassoon Library was not just a project, but an experience. The architecture, the heritage and the knowledge of more than 40,000 books; all housed under one roof designed by J. Campbell and G.E. Gosling for the Scott McClelland and Company ;spread in 1485 square yards amazes you. The David Sassoon Library and Reading Room, the first building to come up at the southern end of the Esplanade, has since its completion in 1870, been a landmark. Today the building finds itself in the list of 145 old buildings which have been declared as protected monuments by the government.
More recently, Timothy Sassoon, the great-great-great grandson of David Sassoon, who owns a visual effects and post-production studio in Santa Monica, California, visited David Sassoon Library on 15th April 2011.He gave a generous donation of 25000 USD to the library. At the library, officials showed Timothy around. "I'm very glad that my ancestor was interested enough in the community to give them such an institution," Timothy said.
The library has recently set up an art gallery near the entrance of the building to encourage young, upcoming, talented artists to exhibit their art materials. It has made optimum use of the donations provided by generous donors and avid readers to restore the library to its present state and by even giving a faint look to it, one can make out that the management has done a good job.
The library also gives jobs to those in need of shelter, continuing the legacy of David Sassoon who was involved in various social works. The library's main assets are the rare books. Some of the books in the library's treasure are published way back in the year 1798. A temple of knowledge, the library boasts of one of the best and rarest collections of books that sets it apart.
So now, if you are sitting idle in a boring afternoon, with nothing much on your agenda but have a quest for knowledge; you know where is the place you ought to be. And even if reading is not what you would like to do, just being there in its subtle atmosphere with delightful people might lead to a self-discovery. Just grab a cup of coffee and enjoy reading!
WEBLIOGRAPHY
• kiranmkeswani(at)gmail(dot)com.”Fish market Mumbai” INDIAN BAZAARS. Anonymous. Tuesday, April 27, 2010. KIRAN KESWANI. 2 AUGUST 2011 10:09:34.http://indianbazaars.blogspot.com/20...ks-mumbai.html
• Anonymous.”Introduction” DAVID SASSOON LIBRARY AND READING ROOM Anonymous.primetech software. 3 August 2011. 09:05:67 PM.
<http://www.davidsassoonlibrary.com>
CONTRIBUTIONS
Introduction to the library: Mariya Sethjiwala
History of the Library : Tejasvi Momaya
History of David Sassoon: Deepshikha Narang
Interviews : Deepshikha Narang, Tejasvi Momaya
Sassoon Docks : Abhishikta Ray
Compiled By : Mariya Sethjiwala