Clubs, gymkhanas: India
This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content. |
Contents |
India's better-known clubs
As of 2026
July 3, 2026: The Times of India
From: July 3, 2026: The Times of India
From: July 3, 2026: The Times of India
From: July 3, 2026: The Times of India
From: July 3, 2026: The Times of India
From: July 3, 2026: The Times of India
From: July 3, 2026: The Times of India
From: July 3, 2026: The Times of India
From: July 3, 2026: The Times of India
From: July 3, 2026: The Times of India
From: July 3, 2026: The Times of India
From: July 3, 2026: The Times of India
Delhi Gymkhana
OWNERSHIP OF LAND
The club is under renewed pressure to vacate the 27 acres of land it sits on. GOI owns it, and the property is managed by the Land and Development Office, under the ministry of housing and urban affairs. The club is managed by a board of directors, whose ability to save the institution is in doubt.
ANNUAL REVENUE (2023-24)
80cr The club paid a nominal annual rent of Rs 409.5cr between 1927 and 2022. Thereafter, annual rent was increased to Rs 4 crore per annum. Following multiple notices, including one for final demand in 2026, the club’s arrears totalled Rs 47.6cr.
MEMBERSHIP
Around 5,000 | Once admitted, the total membership cost for non-govt applicants reaches roughly Rs 22 lakh. Govt and defence personnel have a subsidised rate of around Rs 5.5 lakh, but still face wait times of 15-20 years.
FOUNDED IN 1927
The site was given on a perpetual lease.
COURT CASES
Citing the club’s proximity to the Prime Minister’s residence, the Centre recently issued a notice directing the club to vacate the premises, stating that the land is critically required for national security and defence infrastructure. The club’s members and employees petitioned Delhi high court to block the takeover. The HC recorded an assurance from the govt that due process of law would be followed. There will be no forcible eviction.
INTERESTING FACTS
The club offers facilities for tennis, squash, swimming, gym, basketball and billiards. It is also a social hotspot and hosts elaborate dinners
Tollygunge Club, Kolkata
OWNERSHIP OF LAND
Mixed. The club sits on around 130 acres of land. A portion is owned by the club, while the rest is wakf land held on lease.
ANNUAL REVENUE
60-65cr Net worth around Rs 170 cr.
MEMBERSHIP
Around 4,000 | The membership fee is a little over Rs 15 lakh. The waiting period is long, with dependent children below 35 years receiving priority.
FOUNDED IN 1895
●Went through a round of expansion in the 1990s.
● The clubhouse, a Grade-I heritage structure, underwent restoration work in 2016.
COURT CASES
None.
INTERESTING FACTS
Beyond golf, the club offers tennis, swimming, badminton and squash facilities. Only the golf training facility is open to nonmembers on payment of a fee. Other facilities are reserved for members, their spouses, children and guests.
Madras Race Course
OWNERSHIP OF LAND
Govt-owned land on long lease. The Madras Race Course was granted 160.8 acres of prime land at Guindy in Chennai on a 99-year lease. The lease rent was Rs 614.13 per year for the entire 160.8 acres, and the rent for the full 99-year term was paid in advance. The state govt later claimed the club owed Rs 730.9 crore in rental arrears up to 2017. The present market value of the land is estimated to be more than Rs 10,000 crore.
OPERATING REVENUE
85cr
MEMBERSHIP
700-900
Fresh members pay between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 12 lakh, depending on the category they apply under.
KEY YEARS
March 8, 1946 : Lease deed executed for 99 years.
● 2017: Tamil Nadu govt secured favourable court orders and issued a govt order to take possession of the MRC premises.
COURT CASES
The MRC went to court against the govt’s demand for enhanced rent and stalled the demand. In Sept 2024, after courts, including the Supreme Court, refused to stall the govt’s move, the state took possession of a large part of the MRC premises. The southern bench of the National Green Tribunal later stayed further development and directed the state govt to explain why the entire parcel, including the proposed 118-acre eco-park, should not be developed as a waterbody.
INTERESTING FACTS
The state govt has proposed a New York Central Park-type eco-park spread over 118 acres. Four deep ponds have been dug, with a combined storage capacity of 4.7 million cubic feet, to harvest rainwater. The water resources department suggested that the land could be developed as a waterbody to prevent flooding in thickly populated areas such as Velachery. MRC has retained a significant part of the retrieved land and continues club activities. It also controls the main gate.
Bombay Gymkhana
OWNERSHIP OF LAND
Govt-owned land on lease. The club is spread over 6.5 acres of collector’s land near Azad Maidan in South Mumbai. The land is owned by the revenue department, and the club pays an annual lease rent of around Rs 70 lakh. The rent is calculated as 1% of 10% of the Ready Reckoner Rate fixed by the govt.
ANNUAL REVENUE
30cr
MEMBERSHIP
Around 6,700 | Membership is currently closed. Preference is given to children and dependents of members, though they must clear an interview before admission. When membership opens, the waiting period is around 2-3 months. Around 5% of total membership is reserved for service persons, including senior IAS and IPS officers.
FOUNDED IN 1875
●2007: Last lease ended.
●2017: One account says the lease was renewed for 30 years. Another says the renewal is still a work in progress, with the govt drafting a uniform lease agreement for all gymkhanas.
COURT CASES
None
INTERESTING FACTS
The club is a Grade 2A heritage structure. It offers facilities for around a dozen sports, including cricket, football, tennis, squash, snooker, bridge, mahjong, polo and rugby. Its members have included Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, Ravi Shastri, Mahesh Bhupathi and Yasin Merchant. Sporting events by clubs, schools and sports associations are held there free of cost. Initially, only Europeans were admitted as members. Sir Cowasji Jehangir donated Rs 1,800 to the club’s founding fund even though he was not admitted as a member. The club also has around 400 staff.
MAJOR CONTROVERSIES/DISPUTES
The club was involved in a dispute with the BMC over the proposed acquisition of around 3,000 square metres of land to widen Hazarimal Somani Marg. The proposal would also have affected part of the bungalow used by the Gymkhana’s CEO. A Gymkhana official said the dispute has been settled, partly because the metro now takes much of the traffic load near D N Road. The official also said the CEO’s bungalow is a heritage structure and cannot be demolished.
Bangalore Club
OWNERSHIP OF LAND
Club-owned, according to the club’s claim and a later govt review. The club is spread over around 15 acres in Bengaluru. Revenue authorities had questioned the club’s ownership over 13 acres, but later records supported the club’s title claim.
DETAILS OF REVENUE
48cr , according to ZoomInfo.
DETAILS OF MEMBERSHIP
The club offers Permanent, Temporary, Service and Corporate memberships. Permanent membership applicants must be above 25 years of age, nominated by one permanent member and supported by five other permanent members. Applications are scrutinised by club committees. Permanent membership is currently closed except under specific categories.
KEY YEARS
1868: Founded as Bangalore United Services Club.
●Late 1890s: Winston Churchill was a member during his posting in Bengaluru.
●1899: Churchill’s unpaid bill of Rs 13 was written off as an “irrecoverable sum”. ●2015: Karnataka govt raised a land ownership dispute.
COURT CASES
The club was involved in a land ownership dispute with the Karnataka govt in 2015 after revenue authorities claimed it had failed to establish title over its 13-acre property and directed it to hand over possession. The club challenged the move. In 2017, officials reportedly found that title documents, khata records and encumbrance certificates supported the club’s ownership claim, after which the civic agency retreated.
INTERESTING FACTS
The club has six tennis courts, three squash courts, two badminton courts, table tennis facilities, spaces for five-a-side football and basketball, a swimming pool, children’s playground, health club, steam and sauna rooms, massage facilities, a polo bar, spas and salons.
Delhi Golf Club
OWNERSHIP OF LAND
Land leased by L&DO under MoHUA. Last year, the lease was extended till 2050 after several rounds of communication. The land belongs to the Centre and is notified by NDMC. It is spread over 179 acres.
ANNUAL REVENUE
70cr | During 2012-25, the club paid Rs 15.5cr for ground rent, averaging Rs 1.2 crore per year
MEMBERSHIP
Around 5,400 | Categories include Indian business, dependents, govt officers, NRI, corporate membership and others. Membership fees are Rs 15 lakh and above. For govt officers, the fee is Rs 4.5 lakh plus taxes.
KEY YEARS
Early 1930s: Started as a municipal golf course
●1950 : Became a corporate entity
COURT CASES
The Supreme Court is reviewing unapproved or illegal structures found near protected historical monuments on the club’s grounds, specifically the Mughal-era Lal Bangla I and II mausolea and several Lodhi-era structures.
INTERESTING FACTS
The club has the 18-hole Lodhi Course, which is part of the Asian PGA Tour, and the 9-hole Peacock Course. The 18-hole course was revamped in 2019 by legendary golfer Gary Player and his professional design team. The club is known for dense woodland and heritage monuments from the Tughlaq and Lodhi dynasties. The 16th-century Lal Bangla is located within the premises and has separate access. The club functioned as a public course before 1950 and later became a registered club.
Nizam Club, Hyderabad
OWNERSHIP OF LAND
Private property. According to the club president’s son, there is no lease involved and the club is not built on govt or municipal land. The club is said to have no current property-related issues.
ANNUAL REVENUE
2-2.5cr
MEMBERSHIP
Around 6,500 | It is strictly members-only, and general walkins are not permitted. New regular memberships are closed. Existing members’ children are given preference through an inherited system. At 16, they become senior dependents; at 25, they can apply for individual membership after an interview and background check. Long-term temporary membership is for three years and can be extended by two more years. Corporate membership is valid for 10 years.
KEY YEARS
Around 140 years old.
●2023: Liquor violations.
●2024: Food safety violations and hygiene issues.
●Early 2025: Delays in club elections led to internal disagreements and power struggles.
● Oct 2025: Elections were scheduled but postponed by eight months due to disputes and ongoing court cases.
● July 5, 2026: Election for secretary, vice-president and three managing committee members scheduled.
COURT CASES
Ongoing court cases are linked to the postponed elections. Sitting president Zafar Javeed filed criminal complaints against the secretary and vice-president over cheque-signing allegations.
INTERESTING FACTS
Members alleged that a small group of committee members rotated between top positions for nearly 18-20 years, creating a “musical chairs” system of control. A member cited a chain-snatching incident inside the dining hall involving a temporary member as an example of declining admission standards. The club says it undergoes regular inspection and compliance checks from GHMC, and food safety and excise department officials.
TNGF Links, Nandanam, Chennai
OWNERSHIP OF LAND
Govtowned land on lease. The golf course occupies around 77.7 acres at Nandanam in Chennai. The govt first issued a licence to the club, which was later converted into a lease. The club and Golf Federation were later granted a joint lease. The property’s real estate value is estimated at Rs 10,000 crore. The initial annual rent was Rs 15 per acre till 1966. From July 1966, the lease amount was increased to Rs 5,800 per acre.
ANNUAL REVENUE
6.5cr
MEMBERSHIP
1,000 | Apart from primary members, many are allowed to access golf and other facilities. Access is determined by club bylaws. Membership fees are around Rs 15.5 lakh annually.
KEY YEARS
1956: Govt issued licence to the club for the first time.
1966: Lease extended for 30 years, with rent increased to Rs 5,800 per acre.
1996: DMK govt asked why the property should not be handed over to the Golf Federation.
2001 : The club and Federation were granted joint lease. In March, DMK govt cancelled the land allotment.
2026: Lease was later extended with conditions.
COURT CASES
There were multiple rounds of litigation involving the club, the Golf Federation and the govt. After the govt cancelled the allotment in March 2001, further litigation followed, after which the lease was extended.
INTERESTING FACTS
The land sits on arterial Anna Salai and is among Chennai’s most valuable club-linked parcels.
Calcutta Club
OWNERSHIP OF LAND
Govt-owned land on lease. The club occupies around 2 acres in the heart of the city, leased from the state PWD on a 30-year term. The lease has recently been renewed.
ANNUAL REVENUE
27-28cr | Net worth of Rs 140-150cr
MEMBERSHIP
Around 4,000
Membership fee is around Rs 11 lakh. The waiting period is long. Facilities are available to members and their guests.
FOUNDED IN 1906
●The swimming pool and a few other facilities were added a few decades later
COURT CASES
None
INTERESTING FACTS
The club offers tennis, badminton, swimming and other facilities. It also organises events through the year, some of which have become marquee social fixtures among the city’s elite.
Bengal Club
OWNERSHIP OF LAND
The club owns the one-acre plot
ANNUAL REVENUE
26-27cr
MEMBERSHIP
Around 1,900
Membership fee is Rs 12.5 lakh. Facilities are available to members and their guests.
FOUNDED IN 1827
●The current main building came up in the 1870s. ● A round of expansion took place in the 1970s.
COURT CASES
None
INTERESTING FACTS
It has fewer sports facilities than some other premier clubs, but its food is known across the country. It also has banquets and other facilities for members/guests.
Hyderabad Golf Club
OWNERSHIP OF LAND
Govtowned, licensed land. The club functions on land belonging to the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation. The present lease/ licence is said to be valid for another 24 years. Part of the golf course falls within Naya Qila, a nationally protected monument area near Golconda Fort. The state govt and ASI are part of the club’s managing committee.
ANNUAL REVENUE
3.5-4cr
MEMBERSHIP
The club president said anyone can walk in, pay the required fee and use the golf facilities for the day. There is service membership for govt officers and regular membership open to anyone who pays the fee.
FOUNDED IN 1992
●2001: Land was transferred by state govt
●2008: PIL filed by civil society organisations over alleged illegal construction inside the fort area
●2022-26: Master planning and further infrastructural expansions were initiated to stretch the course to PGA standards and upgrade the clubhouse.
COURT CASES
Petitioners in the Telangana high court alleged that the Hyderabad Golf Club Association used heavy machinery inside the fort, blasted moat walls, created golf holes on historic lakes and restricted public access to ancient structures.
INTERESTING FACTS
The clubhouse is said to have been built on a municipal garbage dump/refill area. The club president described it as part of Hyderabad’s social infrastructure.
Club culture: a critique
SANJAY SRIVASTAVA, Nov 1, 2024: The Indian Express
In Mumbai Gymkhana today, echoes of a regressive culture from 19th-century Calcutta
In a time when the idea of a ‘majority’ has so significantly become identified with religious identity, it is worth asking what the fate of cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues’s membership to the Khar Gymkhana might have been in other circumstances
Written by Sanjay Srivastava
Updated: November 1, 2024 12:45 IST
Newsguard
Jemimah Rodrigues, seen with her father Ivan, had her Khar Gymkhana (Mumbai) membership cancelled.The contemporary cultures of clubs and gymkhanas are part of a peculiarly Indian process of consolidation of ideas of “decent and respectable” citizens.
In 1874, the nationalist, writer and political activist Bipin Chandra Pal (1858-1932) arrived in Calcutta to pursue higher education in one of the premier institutions of the city, Presidency College. Pal was born in a village in Sylhet and he was following an educational trajectory that was common to many of his socio-economic background. Families who had achieved prosperity through their landed status sought a foothold in urban modernity – and its class system – that was emerging at the time. Colonialism and the economic life it generated were changing city life, creating opportunities for the emergence of a new grouping of professionals who imagined themselves as “middle class”, rather than tethered to the “old ways” of rural conservatism. Pal’s family had sent him to study at Presidency College with these aspects in mind.
Arriving in Calcutta, Pal joined the Sylhet “mess”. The messes of Calcutta were organised along regional lines and catered to the eating requirements of the growing population of upper-caste, male students who, like Pal, were making their way into the city. They were also places where a rising colonial intelligentsia – future lawyers, doctors, bureaucrats – got to know each other, their friendships lubricated by shared cultural and social norms. The messes, Pal says “were like small republics and were managed on strictly democratic lines” and that “no one was admitted into the mess unless he was known to or certified by responsible people to be a decent and respectable fellow”.
The 19th-century messes of Calcutta provide some clues to the culture of clubs and gymkhanas in contemporary India. An updating of the story may help in understanding the broader context within which cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues’s membership of Mumbai’s Khar Gymkhana was revoked as a result of allegations that her father, Ivan, organised “conversion” activities at its premises. That, in an atmosphere of such sharply etched religious lines, a member of a vulnerable minority community should seek to “convert” the “vulnerable” at a public event seems beyond belief. However, it is perhaps best not to dignify the allegation by asking if it is actually true. What is more important is that it emanates from a site that has deep cultural and social resonance in Indian society.
The contemporary cultures of clubs and gymkhanas are part of a peculiarly Indian process of consolidation of ideas of “decent and respectable” citizens who – as in the 19th-century messes of Calcutta – might intermingle at ease, including sharing food in the knowledge it meets the norms of caste, class and religious identity. What is peculiarly Indian about club culture is that in a time of great social and economic change – movements of people, changes in work patterns, commercial activities, etc. – they serve to reinforce old-standing structures of hierarchy. Statements that emanate from clubs and gymkhanas serve a signalling function: they establish the truth of a situation by drawing upon their – widely accepted – histories of “decency” and “respectability”. What Ivan Rodrigues has discovered is that “membership” of a club is more than just a matter of access to (relatively) inexpensive food, air-conditioned ambience and recreational facilities. It is also about taking out a subscription to particular ways of thinking.
A significant force that has shaped “club” thinking in India relates to the extraordinarily homogenous nature of their membership. First, while there are no formal prohibitions that prevent, say, Muslims and Christians from becoming members, there are very real informal mechanisms that play a role. In the first place, membership at the most prestigious clubs is not “open” at all times, and those desiring membership cannot apply on a rolling basis. This tends to maintain the historically homogenous nature of club membership. The nature of their membership – dominated by dominant religious and social groups – does not change over very long periods, if ever.
Second, it is usual that an application to join requires – as in the case of the Bipin Chandra Pal’s Sylhet mess – “certification” by one or more “responsible” persons; an existing member (or two) must endorse your application. Given that membership tends to be “frozen” over long periods – there is such palpable excitement when it opens! – the most prestigious clubs develop a particular social character. This comes into play when sponsoring new members: we are more likely to know (and sponsor) those from very similar backgrounds. This too limits the possibility of diversity.
There is also, in the crème de la crème institutions, the system of hereditary membership, where it is passed down in the family line to children, grandchildren and spouses of these categories of relatives. This too, in a manner that is both outrageous and contradictory in an apparent democracy, imparts a peculiarly Indian flavour to such organisations. In particular, it means that if your family does not already belong to this group – and religious minorities in India tend to have negligible representation within it – then you are likely to continue to remain outside the charmed circle.
The Sylhet mess that he joined, Bipin Chandra Pal also noted, passed a rule “that no members should bring any food to the house…which outraged the feelings of Hindu orthodoxy”. It is not difficult to see how the clubs of our own time have also – through their historical nature and formal and informal policies – maintained certain orthodoxies, including those of caste and religious identities (and of course, whether women can have “full” membership).
It is interesting, in this context, to pay particular attention to another of Pal’s observations with regard to the Sylhet mess. All decisions, he mentions, were taken “by the voice of the majority of the members of the mess” and no one ever “questioned or disobeyed” such decisions. In a time when the idea of a ‘majority’ has so significantly become identified with religious identity, it is worth asking what the fate of Jemimah Rodrigues’s membership to the Khar Gymkhana might have been in other circumstances.
If, for example, such institutions had more diverse membership, could there have been other voices from within it that may have provided a countervailing point of view? Mumbai of the early 21st century is not the Calcutta of the late 19th century. It is precisely for this reason that the uncanny echoes of that distant past should frighten us.
