A path, which is more of a dirt track with steep inclines and slopes, making driving a nightmare. Then there are forests and more forests by its side. One can hear the Naxalites’ guns talking every now and then. Add to it rumours of their comings and goings. To visit such an area, the area must offer something exceptional indeed.

This is Kervashe village in Karkala Taluk. A green paradise, developed and nurtured by skillful hands of the Dharmasthala Rural Development Project. The prime attraction of this entirely Organic Village is Kajake Mane, an old house, situated amidst 7-8 acres of areca plantation. Its resident, 31-year-old Vinay Subrahmanya, is an avid antique items collector. But these items are not those found in antique shops but in the attics, kitchens and cellars of several old houses dotting the region.

An old coin given by a high school classmate inspired Vinay to start collecting coins. Soon, the interest extended to include any old item of antique value.

“Wherever I go, my eyes are constantly searching for old items in houses. After modern implements replaced the old ones, these items fell into disuse and neglect. Now, most of them are in a ruined condition. I picked up a few such items, showed them to their owners and explained their significance and the need for preserving such items for posterity. Some people had no use for these items and gave them to me while some others took upon preserving those items themselves,” Vinay recounts.

With several such items finding a comfortable home at Kajake Mane, visitors have to make do with whatever space is available to stand in the courtyard! A collection of different varieties of grinding stones, a yoke and an ornate doorframe are artistically arranged here. Long rows of similar items greet the visitor inside the house. Vinay’s father proudly displays a bronze lamp whose lamp post is made entirely out of wood. This lamp is only four generations old!

Then there is kutti, a mug used in those days to measure oil. With a capacity of one-and-a-half litres, the mug has a hole in its neck. Excess oil would flow out of this hole. The British Government used to affix its seals on such measures, says Vinay's father, showing an 1813 seal on the kutti and a paddy measuring vessel.
Several kinds of stone jars - small and big - used to store gruel, groceries and pickles, rolling pin and a slab/board to press happala, a spittoon, measures including balla, sidde and haane, scented water bowls, pestles and a small bamboo basket used to prepare payasa - Vinay has an enviable collection that showcases the lifestyle of our forefathers centuries ago. There is also a unique stove, used only while performing funeral rites.

This numismatist also has several rare and unique coins in his collection. Right from stamped coins including Rama Tankis and Hipostatus coins dating back to the period before Christ to coins belonging to the periods of Mughal emperor Akbar, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, each of the thousands of coins unravel history phase by phase. Vinay also has coins from over 60 countries in his collection, stamps from over 150 countries along with currencies of different nations in different colours, shapes and sizes. A priceless collection indeed!

However, Vinay's priority is towards collecting and preserving indigenous items. But limited finance does not permit him to procure items at a huge price. Only people's encouragement in the form of donating old household items and artifacts in their possession has helped this young man realise his dream to an extent.
Vinay Subrahmanya can be contacted on 08258 280545.

Translated by B S Srivani