Bowring Institute British Era Heritage Club Bangalore, 1900 Postcard
A 1900 postcard captures the elegant Bowring Institute, a British-era heritage club in Bangalore (Bengaluru). Founded in 1868 as an exclusive members-only institution, the social club continues to operate today while preserving much of its historic charm.
Named after Lewin Bentham Bowring, the then Chief Commissioner of Mysore and Coorg, the institute was established through the efforts of Benjamin Lewis Rice, a noted British administrator and scholar. Set on nearly 12 acres along St Mark’s Road, close to the historic St Mark’s Cathedral, the heritage building is now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Today, the Bowring Institute remains a landmark of Bengaluru’s colonial past, offering members a blend of history, sports, recreation, and cultural activities. It is especially renowned for its excellent tennis facilities and is believed to house one of the largest private libraries in Bangalore, making it a treasured institution for history lovers and club members alike. Click image to enlarge.
Did You Know- the Bowring Institute has remained an exclusive members’ club for well over 150 years, making it one of Bengaluru’s oldest continuously functioning social institutions.
