From scrap to rare collection to incredible museum

–An Article by Poojan Patel

“I have been an avid collector since my childhood from collecting stamps to match boxes. I have now started collecting antiques from the Friday market and made a special place to hold all of these collectibles.” – says Trushar Rana on his unique collection of antiques with regard to Heritage Week.

In the heart of Vadodara, the People’s Heritage Festival is currently in full swing, captivating locals and visitors alike from November 18 to November 25. Among the enthusiasts dedicated to preserving heritage is Trushar Rana, an electrical engineer by profession but renowned for his passion for collecting antique items since childhood. His unique museum, perched atop his company, showcases a remarkable collection, ranging from tricycles and bicycles to miniature cars for children, totaling over 85 artifacts acquired from places like Shukrwari Bazar in Vadodara.

The engineer shares his inspiration behind collecting was his inquisitive nature, “Being an engineer I am always keen on learning new things. Collecting these antiques keeps that thirst for knowledge going. We have recently made a bike taking inspiration from the antiques collected  throughout the years.”

Trushar Rana’s collection is not limited to a specific theme but spans across diverse origins, including products from England, Germany, and Italy. The museum houses intriguing items such as paper cars, wooden horses, and drift bicycles, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the rich history of these artifacts. Rana expressed that beyond the pleasure of collecting, his hobby has enriched him with profound knowledge.

“I have not seen any bicycle-related museum so far and that made me want to collect the antique bicycles and make one for myself.” says the collector on making his museum space above his company space.

Hailing from the Dabhoi Road area, Trushar Rana’s passion extends beyond traditional antiques to include a fascinating array of artifacts dating back centuries. His collection, spanning from stamps and matchboxes to cameras, record cassettes, children’s bicycles, pedal cars, pin boxes, and paintings, exceeds 10,000 items. His journey into collecting began in 2010, and over the years, he has amassed a treasure trove that reflects the evolution of everyday items.

One notable aspect of Rana’s collection is his unique assortment of video games, acquired from the Friday market. With a keen eye for nostalgia, he has gathered about 750 games of different types and over 1000 game cassettes, preserving the essence of an era when black and white TV screens brought joy in a way modern 3D video games cannot replicate. The collection also includes around 150 different types of games to play on TV, offering a trip down memory lane for both children and adults alike.

What sets Rana apart is not just his personal collection but his commitment to community engagement. His museum serves as a platform for fellow collectors to display their antiques, fostering a sense of shared heritage. Trushar Rana encapsulates the spirit of the People’s Heritage Festival by not only collecting artifacts but also actively contributing to the preservation and celebration of Vadodara’s rich cultural legacy.