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 is the significance of Rao selling his collection to a longstanding customer before his death?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → A true bibliophile, Rao ensured that his collection remained in trusted hands
A bibliophile is a person who loves and collects books. The passage says that before his death Rao quietly sold his collection to a longstanding customer, ensuring the books were preserved. A book lover making sure his books go to someone who will look after them is the significance of the sale.
Example: As a true bibliophile, my grandfather kept every book he ever bought.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: True to his secretive character, it was his way of closing the shop to the public forever — Incorrect. Wrong reason: the passage says the sale ensured the books were preserved; it does not present it as a way to shut out the public.
Option 3: A shrewd business man, Rao ensured his shop would continue to make profits. — Incorrect. Not mentioned: the passage says nothing about profits; he sold the whole collection to one customer, which does not keep a shop running.
Option 4: Through the sale, Rao the mercenary, wanted to raise and utilize money for his medical treatment — Incorrect. Contradicted: a mercenary person works only for money. The passage shows Rao as devoted to his books, and says nothing about paying for treatment.
Example: The mercenary trader raised prices during the flood.