What is the history of Freemasonry in India?
Freemasonry was introduced into India by George Pomfret, who was authorized to open a new lodge in Bengal. This marked the beginning of a rapid expansion of Freemasonry in the region, with over fifty lodges established in a few years, particularly in Bengal. Notably, in 1777, Omdit-ul-Omrah Bahauder, the eldest son of the nabob of the Carnatic, was initiated into Freemasonry in a lodge near Madras. His initiation was celebrated by the Grand Lodge in England, which sent him a congratulatory letter along with a blue apron and a copy of the Book of Constitutions. This event highlighted the growing influence and acceptance of Freemasonry in India, as it was supported by prominent figures of the time.
However, the history of Freemasonry in India also reflects the complexities of colonial attitudes. Initially, there was reluctance among colonial Freemasons to allow non-Christians to join their lodges, which only changed following directives from London. This reluctance fostered a preference for Christian orders within Freemasonry, indicating a tension between the ideals of the fraternity and the realities of colonial society.
By the late Victorian period, Freemasonry had established itself as a significant social institution in India, mirroring its status in Britain, and became involved in various philanthropic activities. The establishment of new lodges and the participation of local elites contributed to its growth, making it an integral part of the social fabric of colonial India.