What is the history of Freemasonry in India?
Freemasonry was introduced to India through the efforts of George Pomfret, who was authorized to open a 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. The annual contributions to charity from the East India Company’s factories were significant, reflecting the growing influence of the Society in India.
One notable event in the history of Freemasonry in India occurred in 1777 when Omdit-ul-Omrah Bahauder, the eldest son of the nabob of the Carnatic, was initiated into masonry in Trichinopoly 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 gesture highlighted the esteem in which the institution was held and the hope for its flourishing in the East.
By the late 18th century, the establishment of a Provincial Grand Lodge in Madras further solidified the presence of Freemasonry in India. The lodge named 'Perfect Unanimity, No. 1' was consecrated in 1787, marking a significant milestone in the organizational structure of Freemasonry in the region. The ceremonies were conducted with great dignity, and the lodge became a center for Masonic activities in Madras.
However, the history of Freemasonry in India was also marked by challenges, particularly regarding the inclusion of non-Christians in Masonic lodges. Initially, there was reluctance to allow non-Christians to join, which only changed following explicit instructions from London. This reluctance reflected broader social and religious tensions within colonial society.
Overall, the history of Freemasonry in India is characterized by its establishment through colonial connections, significant local leadership, and the gradual evolution of its membership policies.