Monsoon of Memories: The Metal Almirah That Was a Treasure Chest
The pride of every Indian household, the kabat, seemed to us kids a limitless container of everything from the quotidian to the family heirlooms.
You could call the Godrej almirah a cupboard—but if you’ve grown up in an Indian household, you’d know it is far more than that. It was, and still is, an integral part of our homes. For most of us, the sight of an almirah is a window into the household item that kept our treasures safe and was a haven for our memories. As a child, I never understood why the metal almirah was so significant. I wondered why only Mom had the right and the honor to open the cupboard. If we were lucky, we could take a sneak peek as she and other adults in the family went around their business with the almirah.
As years passed by, I noticed how it made a creaky sound when the door opened. I could smell the naphthalene balls as soon as it opened. Yet, it was always treated with utmost respect! Our winter clothes found a space on one of the shelves. Mum’s most ornate shawls were kept there, too. The important family documents found a place under the newspaper sheets, which were used to cover the shelves of the almirah. The hanging space was reserved for Dad’s suits, which he wore for important days at work or weddings.
Ardeshir Burjorji Sorabji Godrej introduced the Indians to the Godrej almirah in 1923, and our romance with this iconic piece of furnishing is still strong 101 years later. A staple in Indian households for decades, it offered a reliable storage solution for clothing and personal belongings. It was also part of the dowry, a symbol of offering the daughter a safe for her belongings in the new home.
The kabat itself was not often locked, but the locker inside was always locked! It was this, the safe-box feature, that made it an instant hit in Indian homes. It may not have been as safe as a bank’s safe deposit box but to us kids, it seemed impenetrable. We were well aware of how secretly our parents guarded the key to this inner sanctum of the almirah. And we also knew that it housed some of our family’s most valuable belongings, such as gold jewelry and heirlooms.
In generations past, this ubiquitous metal cupboard was mostly available only in one color, a dull grey. Later came an “exciting” new color option which was a cross between cream or beige and lime green. Now, the popular item has gone through various cosmetic changes and is available in many hues.
It only helped that its sleek design, with multiple compartments, shelves, and drawers, allowed everyone to organize their belongings efficiently. Also, for most households, the almirah had an assured place in the cargo when a family moved to a new home. No wonder many families, to date, own almirahs which belonged to their grandparents. Yes, they were also passed on as heirlooms! Known for their durability, the high-quality steel ensured that the almirahs were sturdy and withstood daily wear and tear. The older generation believes that it is the best piece of furniture for any home—and you have just to open the door to become part of the belief system.
Purva Grover is an author, journalist, poet, playwright, and stage director. A postgraduate in mass communication and literature, she is the founder-editor of The Indian Trumpet, a digital magazine for Indian expats in the UAE. Meet her at www.purvagrover.com or say hello to her on Instagram @purvagr. She can be reached at grover.purva@gmail.com.
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