About Us

Memoirs of India stands as a third-generation emporium of rare and antiquarian treasures, rooted in the heart of South Delhi and forged by the vision of Mr. Rajiv Jain, Rishabh Jain, and Rashi Jain Dugar.

Girdhar Chand Jain | Memoirs of India

Our journey began in 1967 when our fascination with the field led us to acquire a set of rare books from a Parsi doctor. Little did we know that this single act would ignite a profound passion for preserving the sanctity of the written word.

Today, Memoirs of India stands as the largest and most distinctive venture of its kind in the region. Our expansion over the years has transformed this family enterprise into a paramount repository of literary heritage, safeguarding India’s rich tapestry of knowledge for nearly half a century.

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to our cherished clientele. We are renowned for the exceptional quality of service we provide, treating our customers as an extension of our family. Moreover, our in-house experts offer a wealth of opportunities, catering not only to dedicated collectors but also to newcomers and enthusiasts. Beyond this, we offer a range of services encompassing valuation, restoration, expert binding, and fine framing. We gladly provide counsel on all aspects of book collecting and related pursuits.

“To build up a library is to create a life. It’s never just a random collection of books.”

For the past 35 years, we have taken pride in our role as custodians of Indian culture and history. Our carefully curated collection of notable texts and artistic works contributes to the preservation of our rich heritage. Recently, we launched an e-commerce platform, enabling aficionados worldwide to explore our treasures. This endeavor is a significant step toward making the wealth of rare and precious literature more accessible to all.

Throughout the years, we’ve amassed an extraordinary collection boasting original first editions, signed copies, art, plate books and fine binding sets of the utmost quality. Our inventory also includes rare and antiquarian maps, as well as books spanning various genres such as literature, natural history, travel and exploration, architecture, politics, economics, philosophy, medicine, archaeology, and more. We proudly feature works from the British Raj era, authored by luminaries like Thomas & William Daniel, John Gould, William Hodges, Alex Soltykoff, Henry Salt, James Fraser, R.M. Grindlays, G.F Atkinson, F.B. Solvyns, Thomas Holbein Hendly, John Luard, James Rattray, James Forbes, Charles Doyly, Emily Eden, and many others.

Our meticulous research and due diligence on each book in our collection instill confidence in our clients, assuring them of its authenticity. Our core mission remains the advancement of Indian art and history, and we have frequently collaborated with esteemed institutions, including the Indira Gandhi Centre for the Arts, Crafts Museum Delhi, and Imperial Hotel Art Collection.

All our items are available for viewing in our store. We encourage you to schedule an appointment, allowing us to serve you with utmost dedication.

Our manager and cataloguer, Rishabh Jain, along with our Sales Head, Rashi Jain Dugar, eagerly await the opportunity to assist you in your journey through the world of rare and antiquarian treasures.