Learn about history, wildlife through rare photos, paintings

If you want to catch a glimpse of rare books and paintings on wildlife, head to the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) this weekend.

If you want to catch a glimpse of rare books and paintings on wildlife, head to the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) this weekend.

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Starting December 11, the Society along with Rotary Club of Bombay Seacoast is organising a week-long exhibition of about 100 rare and precious books on history, wildlife, paintings and people of India — most of which are 100 to 200 years old.

“Some of the photos in these books depict 19th century Mumbai city, the attire of the people of those times, the occupation of people, the wildlife of those times and the monuments that still stand today in all their glory,” said Atul Sathe, public relations officer, BNHS.

From the British Empire, Himalayas and Mumbai to those on Indian history, history of Gujarat and history of Marathas, the books belong to the BNHS library as well as some private collections.

“Rare photos and paintings from these books can take the reader on a nostalgic and joyful trip to the peaceful bygone eras where the pace of life was slow and there was abundance of nature all around,” said Sathe.

The exhibition will be open to the public at the BNHS Hornbill House from December 11 to 16 from 11am to 5pm and December 17 from 11am to 4pm.