Craft Freemasonry
Irish Freemasonry in India began in 1754 with the establishment of a Military Lodge in Fort St. George, Madras. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Irish Military Lodges, formed by personnel of Regiments of the British Army, played a crucial role in fostering camaraderie and Masonic principles among Military Personnel. These Lodges accompanied Regiments on campaigns across the British Empire, including India, and served as centers for Social Interaction and Moral Development. The transition to Stationary Lodges began in the mid-19th Century with the consecration of Lodge Light of the North No. 357 I.C. in 1835 marking the start of a more permanent Irish Masonic presence in India.
The early to mid-20th Century saw the Government of the Irish fraternity in India by a Grand Inspector, appointed by M. W. the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland. At the time of India gaining Independence, there were 12 Irish Lodges in India; growing to 16 by 1960.
History and background of Irish Freemasonry in India
Irish Freemasonry in India boasts a rich and storied history, beginning with the arrival of the first Irish Military Lodge in Fort St. George, Madras in 1754. This Military Lodge, attached to the 39th Regiment of the British Army, marked the arrival of Irish Freemasonry on the Indian subcontinent. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Irish Military Lodges played a significant role, fostering a strong connection between the Military and Freemasonry. These Lodges accompanied Regiments on various campaigns, providing a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood among Military Personnel.
During the 19th century, the presence of Irish Military Lodges continued to thrive amidst Military expansion and colonial endeavors. Notably, many personnel preferred the Irish Constitution over English or Scottish ones, as the Constitution of their persuasion due to the practice of Travelling Warrants; resulting in the proliferation of Irish Lodges in India and other parts of the British Empire. These Lodges served as centers for social interaction, moral development and mutual support for members of the Armed Forces, travelling with the Regiments to various regions, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Ceylon and China.
The first Indians to be initiated into Irish Freemasonry in India were Bro. Dhunjishaw Framjee Mehta and Bro. Sorabjee Manockjee, probably initiated in 1861-62.
The transition from Military Lodges to stationary, non-Military Lodges began in the early 19th century. The first stationary non-Military Lodge, Lodge Light of the North No. 357 I.C., was consecrated in 1835 but was short-lived, having lost its members in an outbreak of malaria. The Duke of Abercorn Lodge No. 382 I.C. in Calcutta, consecrated in 1903, marked the beginning of a more permanent Irish Masonic presence. This was followed by Lodge "Sunut" No. 263 I.C. in 1907 and Lodge St. Patrick No. 319 I.C. in Bombay in 1911, which remains the oldest continuously active Irish Lodge in India.
Irish Freemasonry in India can be divided into three distinct periods: the era of Military Lodges and the birth of stationary Lodges, the Inspectorate of India period and the Provincial Grand Lodge period.
The Inspectorate of India Period:
During this period, Irish Lodges in India were overseen by a Grand Inspector appointed by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland. The Grand Inspector was assisted by three Assistant Grand Inspectors for Bengal, Bombay and Punjab. Notable Grand Inspectors included Major-General Richard Heard, Capt. C. H. Inwood, Hon. Mr. Justice Monroe, Edward Owen Rees and Major General Harold Williams.
At the time of Indian Independence in 1947, the Inspectorate of India oversaw several Lodges across the country, including Lodge Duke of Abercorn No. 382 I.C. in Calcutta, Lodge St. Patrick No. 319 I.C. in Bombay and Lodge Donoughmore No. 458 I.C. in Simla. Following independence, Lodge Emerald Isle No. XIX I.C. became the only Irish Lodge in Pakistan, leading to the reorganization of the Inspectorate into the Inspectorate of India and Pakistan.
The Provincial Grand Lodge Period:
In the 1950s, the proposal to reorganize the Inspectorate and form Provincial Grand Lodges was realized with the consecration of new Lodges in New Delhi and Mumbai. The Provincial Grand Lodge of Western India (I.C.) was constituted on May 1, 1957, with Maj. Gen. Sir Harold Williams as the constituting officer and William Charles Mason as the first Provincial Grand Master. The Provincial Grand Lodge of Eastern India (I.C.) followed on May 7, 1957, with Ellis Joseph Samuel as the first Provincial Grand Master.
Unification and Growth:
In 1983, under the leadership of R. W. Bro. Capt. Sam Behram Aga, the Provincial Grand Lodges of Eastern and Western India, along with the Lodge in Delhi, were unified under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ireland in India. This period marked a revival and reorganization of the Lodges, with strategic relocations to cities like Chennai, Pune, Kanpur and Calicut, ensuring their continued growth and vibrancy.
The resilience and adaptability of Irish Freemasonry in India are reflected in its enduring presence and commitment to Masonic principles. The succession of Provincial Grand Masters, from William Charles Mason in 1957 to the R. W. Bro. Rummy Piroze Khan, the Ruling Provincial Grand Master, highlights the leadership and dedication that have sustained this rich tradition. Irish Freemasonry in India continues to thrive, fostering Brotherhood, Charity and self-improvement in an ever-evolving landscape.
