[sadhuji]

The subject of roadside goodies must invariably have a mention of books and magazines – these outlets are there in any city, some cater to new books, others have old ones. These cannot be designated as shops by any figment of the imagination but, they are there to fulfill certain basic needs of a section of society. These shops deal in text books, magazines, books of film songs and, practically every conceivable subject under the Sun including prayer books of our hundreds of Gods and Goddesses. The ones on the famous College Street in Kolkata specialize in old books and have grown in stature after humble beginnings – some of them specialize in subjects while others display an assortment of printed matter – quite a few of these books are practically in tatters, they are carefully bound and decorated with make shift covers. I have in my possession books that I was lucky to lay my hands on – like the thesis submitted by Panchanan Ghosal for his Doctorate in Criminals and Criminology and books related to real life crimes and criminals – how the police zeroed on them, how the trials went and the final conviction. They make for wonderful reading matter even today. I also have in my collection a couple of books on aircraft manufacture of the Second World War vintage – the propeller engines and wood-and-fabric construction!


There are several stalls that sell books on the sly – books that fall in the undisplayable category. Those who want them discuss the matter with the owner in hushed voices and, once the owner hands it over in packed condition, they make a hurried exit, clutching the precious items close to their chest. The language editions of books under this category are sold in sealed condition, no browsing unless paid for!  Yes, unless the money changes hands, one cannot see the matter it contains.

And then there were the cheap books – these used to be sold under the shades of banyan trees, hence earned the nickname of ‘bat-tola literature’ (‘bat’ means banyan and ‘tolla’ mean under). These were printed by small timers and enjoyed good markets in the age when Westernization had not taken deep roots in our society. The patrons loved the adventures and exploits of characters like Dasyu Mohan molded on the lines of Robin Hood and Blackshirt – those who got hooked to these books waited expectantly for the subsequent editions. Oh – for the good old days!

[jyotirmoy]

Sadhuji, you don't fail to stirr up old memories. Yes the College street pavement stalls are unique to this great metropolis called Kolkata. During our school & college days we used to spend so many afternoons browsing the amazing variety of books. After acquiring some we would invariably go to either the Coffee House or the Paragon sharbat shop accross the College square to turn the pages.
As you said there were books covering almost any subject. The thesis of Mr.Panchanan Ghoshal must be a treasure. I do not know about any other criminologist who had  such insight in to the minds of criminals. Some of his novels based on actual incidents are fascinating.
About the "Bot Tola" publications although the intellectuals of those days considered the books trash but common people did enjoy reading them.
Sadhuji I draw your attention to Kali Prosonno's "Hutum Penchar Naksha' (Chronicle of a hooting owl" also published by them. I do not know if this book has been translated in to English or not. It gives the most graphic account of the life in Kolkata in the late thirtees, a dramatic turning point in the cultural & social history of Kolkata. Many years ago during a Book Fair held during Durga Puja in Delhi I found this book in a compiled format. I have this now along with the original circulations which were in our family's collections.
About the plastic paper sealed books sold on the sly (at Howrah station pavements these were publicly displayed though) I think the trade has nose dived after computers and VCD/DVD came in to our lives. When ever I visit Palika Bazar alone to check out some DVD's, many shop keepers come to me and say that they have just the right stuff for me... I have to explain hard. By the time I get rid of one there is another to offer even better "right stuff"...... Now a days I prefer to go there in company of one of my daughters. Then every thing is "right"
Every Sunday a pavement second hand book bazar comes up at Daryagunge in Delhi but it is no match for College street. The books sold are mostly old text books, discarded magazines featuring knitting, home making & cooking, pirated trash thrillers and so on. Although I do visit on winter afternoons but rarerly I get to pick up up some thing worth collecting.