Who were the prominent Indian Freemasons from the 17th and 18th centuries?
During the 17th and 18th centuries, one of the most notable Indian Freemasons was Omdat-ul-Omrah Bahadur, the Nawab of Carnatic, who became the first Indian Freemason in 1775, initiated in Trichinopoly Lodge No.3. He played a significant role in assisting the British against Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, and he was also the first Muslim Freemason in India, initiated by Bro. Terence Gahagan.
Another prominent figure was Captain Ralph Farr Winter, who established the Lodge East India Arms No.72 in Bengal in 1730, contributing to the early establishment of Freemasonry in India.
These individuals were pivotal in the early history of Freemasonry in India, setting the stage for future Indian participation in the fraternity.