Read the given passage and answer the four questions that follow:
I was completely charmed by Madhava Rao's antiquarian bookshop in Basavanagudi, Bengaluru. The stock was not chock-a- block with rarities, first or expensive editions. Its charm lay in stocking well-preserved old editions, some genuinely antiquarian, many out of print, all gathered fetchingly in one room full of gilt-edged spines, the smell of ageing leather creating an enchanting atmosphere. Rao's meticulous care and presentation made every copy desirable.
When I had finished slavering over the books restored, I insisted upon writing about his book shop. But Rao forbade it, relying solely on word of mouth to attract a select customer base. As I got ready to leave his bookshop, he suspected I might sneak a little piece of him after all. He made me promise that I would not write anything. But then 'When can I write about your bookshop?", I asked. He replied, 'When I finally close the bookshop.'
That moment came in March 2013, when he passed away from cancer at 78. Even on his final day, he completed book transactions before turning to his restoration work. A self-taught bibliophile and a perfectionist, Rao restored broken editions to exceptional condition, ensuring his customers held something truly valuable. Despite his passion, he kept a low profile, preferring solitude to study and restore his "antiquarian loot."
Before his death, he quietly sold his collection to a longstanding customer, ensuring the books were preserved. His legacy lives on in the hands of collectors who cherish his devotion to the art of antiquarian book-selling.
What does the phrase "antiquarian loot" refer to in the text?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → rare and valuable old books meticulously restored by Madhava Rao
Loot normally means stolen goods, but it is also used playfully for a prized collection of valuable things, and antiquarian means old and rare. The passage uses the phrase for the old editions Rao spent his time studying and restoring to exceptional condition, so his customers held something truly valuable.
Example: The children spread their Diwali loot of sweets on the floor.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: a collection of books pilfered from other outlets selling antique editions — Incorrect. Wrong meaning: to pilfer is to steal small things. This takes "loot" literally; the passage never suggests theft.
Option 3: the unsold old books hidden in the shop, discovered after his death — Incorrect. Not mentioned: the passage says nothing about hidden books; his collection was sold to a customer before his death.
Option 4: a term Rao used for books that had little monetary value — Incorrect. Contradicted: the passage says his customers held "something truly valuable", the opposite of little value.