Kolkata, Feb 8 : An exhibition of a family's collection of heirlooms of ancient musical instruments is proving to be an attraction for students and scholars of history in Kolkata.

Around 50 rare records dating back to 1910, a violin from year 1721, and many other instruments are displayed at this exhibition organized by the family of Subarno Roy Chowdhury, who was a zamindar of Kolkata area, prior to the arrival of the British.

The aim behind exhibiting these rare family heirlooms is to provide an insight into the bygone era.

"Our objective is to preserve history and we hope that through this effort of ours, the students and scholars can benefit by learning about history," said Devarsi Roy Chowdhury, the orgniser of the exhibition.

A gramophone made in the year 1905, the first three records of India's National Song, Vande Mataram, which were released in 1947, records from 1930s of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore reading and a record of the speech of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose delivered in Tokyo in 1942 are among some of the rare treasures on display.

"I'm very much amazed by these musical instruments and I'm much amazed about it... and I must say that people should come here and pay a visit," said Jaydeep, a visitor.

Every year Roy Chowdhury's descendants organize an exhibition of various heirlooms and antiques and showcase rare historical items.