Bangalore Gymkhana Club in the Cantonment Era, 1932 Photo
A small, rare 1932 photo of Bangalore Gymkhana, a sports and social club in Bangalore’s Cantonment area. One of the last remnants of the British in India was undoubtedly the colonial clubs, which dot the erstwhile cantonments in India. The origin of the cantonment club was essentially due to the desire of Englishmen to create a little bit of England during the colonial era. Where they could retire and make believe that they were actually in England.
However, the Bangalore Gymkhana was different; it was founded by an Indian. The primary goal was to create a space for promoting tennis, badminton, cricket, and other games among its members. Unlike some of the more exclusive “British-only” clubs of that era, it was largely founded by and for government employees.
The Bangalore Gymkhana Club (now known as Indian Gymkhana) is one of the historic social and sporting institutions in the city. Established during the British Raj in 1932. It has a rich history tied to the city’s colonial past and its evolution into a modern sports hub. The club is set on a lush 4.25-acre estate in Cox Town, a part of the cantonment area. This land was originally leased to the club by the then-Bangalore City Municipality in 1932.
The original club featured an old-world, colonial-style building typical of British-era institutions in the city. While much of the infrastructure has been modernized into a new sports complex. While it started with a focus on tennis, it grew to include a wide array of facilities. It became a prominent venue for cricket. With historical links to figures like Col. John Pennycuick (the British engineer behind the Mullaperiyar Dam).
Today, the club bears little resemblance to what is seen in the photograph. The original structure was demolished and replaced with a modern building. Over the decades, the club has evolved from an exclusive enclave for government officials to a vibrant social hub for the city’s residents. Click image to enlarge.
Did you know – the Karnataka Government and the BBMP (city corporation) moved to reclaim a portion of the club’s land (3 acres) to be converted into a public playground for the local community, while leaving the built-up area for the club’s use.
