Dive into India’s Literary Havens: The Tale of Two Enchanting Book Villages

In the hustle and bustle of modern day life, it is all too easy to dismiss books as a symbol of a bygone era, to be relegated to the pages of history. But in a world increasingly immersed in mindless scrolling, books represent an escape of a different kind; to a world entirely born from our own imagination. Whether that is climbing aboard the Hogwarts Express to join Harry on an adventure, or racing across rooftops with Jason Bourne, or even poring over the many lessons from civilisations and leaders of yesteryear.

The importance of reading, especially for young minds, cannot be understated. It stokes curiosity and imagination, and helps enhance reading skills and vocabulary, which stands one in good stead in years to come. One person whose vocabulary and name certainly needs no introduction is Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who is well known for setting tongues wagging with the use of elegant verbiage and turn of phrase.

Recently, he sparked a conversation on Twitter when sharing the news of a charming book village that has sprung up in his home state of Kerala. 

Intrigued by the response to this, the Marksmen Daily team delved into the world of book villages across India, discovering the existence of only two fully operational ones—Bhilar in Maharashtra and the picturesque Perumkulam in Kerala.

Bhilar: India’s First Book Village in Maharashtra

Nestled in the Satara district, the quaint hamlet of Bhilar captivates with its lush surroundings between Panchgani and the historic hill station of Mahabaleshwar. Once famed for strawberry cultivation, it now basks in the glory of being India’s inaugural book village. The metamorphosis began two years ago, inspired by the Welsh town Hay on Wye known for its literary festivals.

Initiated by Rajya Marathi Vikas Sanstha and Education Minister Vinod Tawde, Bhilar officially became ‘Pustakanche Gao‘ or ‘the village of books’ on May 4, 2017. Over 75 artists, commissioned by the Maharashtra Government, transformed the village into a literary haven by painting designated locations. Each artwork reflected the genre of books to be housed, creating a unique fusion of art and literature.

 Perumkulam: Kerala’s Literary Gem

 In June 2020, Perumkulam achieved the coveted title of “Village of Books,” becoming Kerala’s first and India’s second book village. Nestled in a state with a 100% literacy rate, Perumkulam boasts an impressive collection of bookshelves lining its streets. The shelves offer a diverse range of reading materials, including books for children, newspapers, and magazines, fostering a culture of sharing and learning.

At the heart of this literary venture is the Bapuji Library, a historic institution initiated in the late 1940s. Initially a small room with a hundred books, it grew into a substantial collection, earning a dedicated building. Today, the library not only continues to be a beacon of learning but also spearheads the community effort to make outdoor bookshelves accessible to all. This initiative has expanded beyond Perumkulam, with a branch now flourishing in a neighbouring village—a testament to the enduring love for books and learning.