Prints from the past

Dilnavaz Mehta, proprietor of Rare Finds and Hindoostan Revisited has curated the seventh edition of the Hindoostan Revisited exhibition which will be on view at Bombay’s Cymroza Art Gallery from December 12 to 18, 2012. It will showcase "old maps, lithographs, etchings, aquatints, engravings and books which provide a comprehensive textual and visual record of the history, geography, topography, ethnology and religious and social activities of India from the 16th century to the early 20th century,” mentions the press release sent to Parsiana by Mehta.
Of particular interest to Parsi Zoroastrians is a series, published in 1892, which contains very rare views of Iranian-Zoroastrian monuments in ancient Persia. Some of these, especially of Persepolis, are re-creations of buildings which were already in ruins at the time the series was published. Others are of Zoroastrian monuments in Iran which no longer exist. The one at Firuzabad is significant, Mehta feels, as it may well be the only view of the atash kadeh said to have existed there. Another section shows Parsi garas, jablas and kor embroidery, views of old Bombay with Parsis and a Parsi cricket team, notes the press release.
Intrigued by subjects ranging from "the mystery and the antiquity of Sanskrit” to the height of the Himalayas, visiting and resident European scholars, artists, merchants and employees of The East India Company made enthusiastic and consistent efforts to unravel the mysteries of "India’s religions, laws, customs and literature.” As a result of this the Asiatic Society and other forums were established to enquire into and document information. Men and women of learning and culture took a lively interest in the sciences and arts culminating in publication of visual and textually documented flora and fauna, native Indians and their customs, historical and unusual monuments, topography, religious and geographical studies in books, maps and prints. These works of authors, travelers, writers, company servants and artists continue to exist today.
Mehta who has an MSc degree in microbiology and a diploma in Indian Aesthetics has researched and studied antiquarian books and artifacts and given presentations at artistic and cultural gatherings. She may be contacted at: Rare Finds-Hindoostan Revisited, 67 Jame Jamshed Building, 811 Parsi Colony, Dadar, Bombay 400014; tel: (91-22) 24121347, mob: +919820222062; email: info.rarefinds@gmail.com, hindoostanrevisited@gmail.com; websites: www.rarefinds.co.in and www.hindoostanrevisited.com