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Bengaluru’s Avenue Road houses one of its oldest antique stores, Balaji’s Antiques and Collectibles

The century old Balaji’s Antiques and Collectibles in Bengaluru supplied antiques for David Lean’s A Passage to India, and houses artefacts from across South India collected over the years

Bengaluru’s Avenue Road houses one of its oldest antique stores, Balaji’s Antiques and Collectibles
DG Balaji, the owner of Balaji’s Antiques and Collectibles
DG Balaji, the owner of Balaji’s Antiques and Collectibles | Photo Credit: C Madan Mohan
When asked if he could recall a specific story about any of the artefacts they have collected or sold, DG Balaji, owner of Balaji’s Antiques and Collectibles, stares at the mini Dhara Pathra on his desk for a few seconds before finally admitting there are too many to choose from.

Balaji is the present owner of this century-old, family antique store in Bengaluru. His surroundings are a testament to his dilemma. As I entered the shop located in a labyrinth within

Paintings and curios at the store | Photo Credit: C Madan Mohan

David Lean visits Avenue Road

An interesting aspect of Balaji’s Antiques and Collectibles lies in a special client from the 1980s, during the production of

Lithograph of a Raja Ravi Varma painting | Photo Credit: C Madan Mohan

He says there are no salaried teams or researchers on the lookout for antiques; they still rely on contacts garnered over the hundred years of its existence.

“However, there is more awareness today. People are interested in our history, traditions and culture, and as result, it has become harder to acquire antiques. The younger generation is not disposing heirlooms and keepsakes as they used to.”

Despite its impact on business, Balaji feels, “anything that has to do with our country and history must be preserved and protected.”

Published - September 09, 2026 07:28 pm IST

The Hindu Verified Source

Reported by C. Madan Mohan · Syndicated via official news feed

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