Students with their artefacts at a social science exhibition at Mahadevi Birla World Academy. Picture by Arnab Mondal

“Come to the root of the root of yourself,” Rumi had written. The girls of Mahadevi Birla World Academy did just that for Dharohar — a social science exhibition that saw students bring in old treasures and family heirlooms.

Each of the artefacts had a story of its own — old books, typewriters, telephones, gramophones, watches and more. The mesmerising voice of Gauhar Jaan wafted across the room, creating just the right ambience.

It was not only about curios but forging connections as well. Collecting the artefacts and learning the stories behind them created ample opportunities for the students to bond with their grandparents.

“So many things that were just lying around the house in neglect have become so important. This is great for nuclear families. The girls are seeing their grandparents in new light now,” said Anjana Saha, the principal.

Jayita Kundu, a history teacher at the school and the brain behind the exhibition, agreed. “Each family in India has something to contribute to our history and this exhibition is an example.”

Rupsha Chatterjee of Class X explained how to wind an 87-year-old clock that her great grandfather had received as a gift on his thread ceremony and Poorvi Sahoo, Class VIII, demonstrated how a metal singing bowl her great grandfather had gifted his wife on her 50th birthday works. “He was an avid traveller and got this from Bhutan,” Poorvi said.

In another corner of the room, Pragati Madhogarhia of Class VIII narrated the gripping tale of a ship’s captain selling off a typewriter for Rs 200 to her great grandfather, while the ship was about to drown. “Only my grandfather knows how to operate it,” she said.

If curios were the day’s stars, sharing the limelight were some quirky characters who set the mood. Rupanjana Ghosh of Class VI was Ghori Babu while little Palak Agarwal was all excited dressed in bridal finery. “I have never been to a Bengali wedding. This is a lot of fun,” smiled the Class VI student.

One section of the exhibition included charts put up by the students to highlight how India has changed over the years. “Here we are trying to show how the transport system has changed in our country. We made models of bullock carts, boats, steam engines and merchant vessels,” said Shivangi Goel, Class X.