GUWAHATI: For those who find solace in the pages of a book, there exists a charming nook in the heart of the city, reminiscent of Kolkata's iconic College Street.
Panbazar, which was originally the bustling business hub of Guwahati, transformed into a literary hub in the early 1940s when publications from Calcutta began establishing themselves in the city. This quaint street has been a haven for bibliophiles and casual readers alike for generations. Each corner of this street whispers tales of the bygone era while embracing the transformation of the modern times.
The first established bookstores in this region were Lawyer’s Book Store, Kitap Ghar, and Trio Store. These shops emerged along College Street Road in Panbazar, providing the city with a rich selection of books during that era.
Lawyers Book Store, established by Bichitra Narayan Dutta and his brother Hari Narayan Dutta Baruah in 1939 , is reputed to be the oldest and first bookstore in the region. These pioneers of local bookselling began their venture by specialising in law books and related study materials, laying the foundation for the thriving book culture in the area.
In a conversation with GPlus, Bhaskar Dutta Baruah, the third-generation owner of Lawyers Book Store, explained how Panbazar, Fancy Bazar, Laktokia, and Uzan Bazar were the only densely populated and habitable areas in Guwahati, as per British architectural plans. The rest of the city was mostly uninhabitable or sparsely populated. Consequently, most businesses, including bookstores, began to establish themselves in this region. One of the key reasons Panbazar became the book hub of Guwahati was the concentration of residents in this area and its close proximity to schools and colleges.
Another plausible reason for this was the proximity of the Pan Bazar area to the ports and ferry services, which facilitated easier import of books from Kolkata, explained Ranjan Sharma, owner of Bandhav Book Store.
The presence of Cotton University, Pan Bazar High School, Handique Girls' College, and the earlier established Law College in this region made it a natural hub for students.
In a conversation with GPlus, eminent social activist and Padma Shri awardee Ajoy Dutta reminisced about the early 1940s and 1950s when Guwahati witnessed the rise of bookstores, with Panbazar emerging as a literary hub. It became a vibrant center for political "addas," where aristocrats, politicians, publishers, and university students gathered to discuss various issues. Places like Mahamaya, Madhumita, and Radio Phoenix hold cherished memories as venues for these spirited conversations.
When the capital of Assam shifted from Shillong to Guwahati in 1973, many pre-existing bookstores moved to Guwahati, including Western Book Depot, Modern Book Depot, Chapala Book Stall, and Bani Prakash. These stores then entered Guwahati's book market and began selling contemporary books.
In an exclusive conversation with GPlus, Mr. Krishan Kumar, the owner of Modern Book Depot, shared that he has been selling books in this region for over 50 years. Over the years, he has witnessed many bookstores shutting down due to various unforeseen reasons.
He believes that today's market is flooded with reference books and textbooks, and no store in the area caters to fictional or non-educational books anymore, which may be leading to the demise of the book culture among the younger generation.
The lane originally featured a handful of bookshops catering to the literary needs of the community. Over time, many other book shops have opened in the area, expanding their offerings to include textbooks and reference books.
"I remember being in the bakery with my grandfather when people used to stop by for a bite after purchasing books from this lane. Over the years, many bookstore shutters have come down," shared Shaikh Alif Hossain, the fourth-generation owner of Shaikh Brothers Bakery. "To be honest, the hustle and bustle in the area has died down."
In an age where digital media threatens the existence of physical books, the dedication of shop owners in Book Lane to preserve their age-old legacy is commendable. While The Western Book Depot saw its shutters roll down following the unfortunate demise of its owner, many other shops have adapted to the changing times and continue to thrive. Their commitment to maintaining the charm and tradition of Book Lane ensures that this historic literary hub remains a beloved destination for readers.
“ We would never leave empty handed if we come over here as literally every book is available here at a very reasonable price.” shared a long time customer of Book Land, who had come to purchase a reference book, with her father.
“The end and aim of all literature is the criticism of life” - This quote by Matthew Arnold’s stands as a testament to the Book Lane and its importance to the intellectual and artistic development of Guwahati and its residents.
As the world continues to evolve, these book shops of Pan Bazar remain a steadfast reminder of the enduring power of the written word and the timeless joy of reading.
