Fifteen days back Nirmal Chandra Kumar passed away. Ordinary people would not recognize the name but in the world of antique books, not only in Bengal but throughout India and the World, collectors would recognize him immediately by the name Kumar. He lived in Lower Circular Road, opposite St. James’s Church, known as ‘Jora Girja’. Here in his living room was his Library of antique and rare books. Rare books were stacked from floor to ceiling, bound in Vellum and Morocco, Gilt Edged from 300 to 100 years old in all sizes, pocket book to elephantine folio. Kumar used to collect these books not only from all over India but from abroad as they came up in auction and his agents were directed to bid for books specifically on India on all subjects. What a splendid world of books divine. It is here that I first saw the Elephantine 3 Volume work of Thomas & William Daniell’s Oriental Scenery comprising of 144 Coloured Engravings which only last September sold at Sotheby’s auction at 1 Lakh Rupees. There was no greater authority on antiquarian books then Kumar. It was his heart-throb and he thought and felt books throughout the day. One day the name of Hoogly came up and immediately he rattled off the names of three authors of books on Hoogly. He was a connoisseur of food and all those who joined the evening ‘adda’ at his library discussing books over a puff of cigarette will remember the delicacies served. Truly an original character is lost from our city.
Obituary. Ananda Bazar Patrika. August 1976. Nirmal Chandra Kumar.
