Varanasi – A Walk Through Timeless Treasures
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Often regarded as the oldest living city in India, Varanasi, also known as Benaras or Kashi, stands as a timeless symbol of spirituality, tradition, and history. Though it does not officially follow a different time zone from the rest of India, the city seems to exist in a time of its own — where ancient rituals continue uninterrupted and every sunrise over the Ganges feels eternal.
The narrow lanes of Varanasi are like a living museum. Each winding alley whispers stories of saints, scholars, musicians, and ordinary lives deeply rooted in extraordinary traditions. As you walk through these labyrinth-like streets, you do not simply pass by houses and temples — you travel through centuries.
During one such walk, I met Mr. Gayani in one of these bustling lanes. A resident of the city for over forty years, he knows Varanasi not just by its roads but by its soul. With every step, he shared stories hidden behind old doors and fading walls. Walking beside him felt like walking with a guide to the city’s unwritten history.
As we continued our journey, we unexpectedly arrived at the house of Pandit Badri Prasad Tiwari, a respected antique collector of his time. His residence stands as a silent testimony to a life dedicated to preserving history and art. Today, the house and its invaluable collections are carefully preserved and maintained by Mr. Yogesh Pandey, the third generation of the family. Through his efforts, the legacy of Pandit Tiwari continues to live on, safeguarding fragments of the past for future generations.
In the antique collection of Pandit Badri Prasad Tiwari, most of the treasures are clocks, especially a fascinating variety of wall clocks. Each clock carries its own history, reflecting the craftsmanship of a different era. Some are large wooden pendulum clocks with finely carved frames, while others are delicate brass pieces with intricate floral designs. There are Victorian-style wall clocks, traditional Indian designs, and even rare European timepieces collected decades ago. A few clocks still tick rhythmically, filling the room with a nostalgic sound of passing time. Some feature Roman numerals, while others display beautifully hand-painted dials. The collection also includes cuckoo clocks and regulator clocks that once adorned royal homes and old mansions. Together, these clocks do not just measure time — they preserve it, turning the house into a gallery of timeless memories.
The antique collection also includes many unique and delicate objects, each with its own remarkable story. One such piece is an extraordinary glass jar, crafted with such fine precision that it almost seems weightless. The glass is incredibly thin and transparent, reflecting light like crystal. Its surface is smooth and flawless, showcasing the mastery of the artisan who created it. The jar is so fragile that even a strong breeze from a ceiling fan could damage it. Because of its extreme delicacy, it is carefully preserved inside a protective box. Visitors are often amazed at how something so beautiful can be so vulnerable. This rare glass jar stands as a symbol of artistic excellence and the careful preservation of heritage.
Curious about the dedication behind such careful preservation, I asked Mr. Yogesh Pandey how he manages to maintain these priceless antiques despite his busy life. He smiled gently before answering, as if the question had been asked many times before. He admitted that it is not an easy responsibility, and caring for such delicate and historic items requires time, patience, and constant attention. However, he explained that he is not alone in this effort. Every member of the family contributes in their own way, sharing the duty of protecting their legacy. Together, they clean, restore, and safeguard each artifact with great care. For them, these antiques are not just objects but living memories of their ancestors. After all, the entire collection represents their family heritage — a treasure passed down through generations, entrusted to their hands for the future.
I wished to speak more with Mr. Yogesh Pandey and learn deeper stories behind each antique piece. There were so many questions in my mind about the rare clocks, the delicate glass jar, and the legacy of his ancestors. However, he was in a rush, attending to his daily responsibilities. Despite his busy schedule, he took a few moments to respond politely and warmly. Even in that short conversation, his passion and respect for his family heritage were clearly visible. His words were simple, yet filled with pride and dedication. Though our interaction was brief, it left a lasting impression on me. In that short time, I was truly amazed — not only by the antiques, but by the commitment of a family preserving history with such devotion.
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