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THINGS PEOPLE KEEP

Rock on!

Name: Vimal Kanooga

Collection: Over 100 antique locks

Vimal holds the key to many secrets. A collector of locks, he has many that are built on a system aimed at deception. As they once secured palaces and storerooms of treasures, they needed that feature. In locks with five and three keys, the key-holes are not visible. With no key-hole in sight, it is difficult to fathom which key to use and where. Only after the first step is crossed does it get easier. Now, the key-holes come into view, one after the other.

Given their complexity, it is easy to believe that these locks were a deterrent to crime. A native of Pholodi in Jodhpur district (Rajasthan), Vimal hunts for these rare locks in his home State. But his collection is not restricted to Rajasthan; it includes locks from Cochin, Aligarh, Germany and the United States.

He is not sure of the vintage of most of these locks. He is, however, convinced that most are at least 80 years old. The old locks are all made of iron. “In the distant past, locks in India were almost always made of iron. Brass began to be favoured much later.” Only a few brass locks are found in Vimal’s collection.

His locks are characterised by a captivating variety of design. One is shaped like a scorpion, and the long key resembles its tail. Another traces the shape of a scorpion when the key is attached to it. There are locks that are a feet or more long with equally long keys to match.

With great intricacy of design, these locks don’t lend themselves to easy repair. Vimal relies on a few men in Rajasthan to do the job. They are a dwindling group and they often don’t entertain bargaining. “Most of these locks don’t have keys. Making a key costs me at least Rs. 100.”

Vimal runs a shop at the Lillypond Shopping Complex (New Moore Market) where antique items are sold, and parts with a lock for a price, only if there is another identical one for this collection. “I usually don’t have any attachment to the old pens and clocks that I sell. With the locks, it’s different.” His father Harakchand has been his inspiration. “He used to collect locks and his enthusiasm rubbed off on me.”

(freddie @thehindu.co.in)

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