Bankipore Club[1][2] is a social club in Patna and is one of the oldest clubs of India and second oldest in East India after Calcutta Rowing Club.[3] It was founded in 1865[4] during the British Raj. The club is located in Bankipore neighbourhood of Patna.[5]

Bankipore Club
Formation1865; 159 years ago (1865)
HeadquartersBankipore
Location
  • Patna, Bihar
ServicesClub

History

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The club was founded in 1865 on the banks of river Ganges in Bankipore area of Patna. J.P.W.Johnstion was the founder secretary of the club. The club was originally known as the European Club and was used exclusively by Europeans.[6] It was renamed Bankipore Club later, as Bankipore was the civil station of Patna District.

The club has hosted renowned personalities like cricketer W G Grace and Sir Edmund Hillary. Hillary preferred to stay at the club when he undertook a rowing expedition across the Ganges.[7]

Club Building

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The main building of the club houses the reception, lobby and offices. And

Facilities

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The club facilities include a health club, gymnasium and a swimming pool.[8] Club also has facilities such as squash, billiards and pool tables for its members. It also has a multi-cuisine restaurant and four suites for the guests. The club also provides its grounds for marriages and various events.

Membership

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The club currently has 600 permanent members and 1500 service members.

Other facilities

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The club also has conference hall for affiliated club members. There is parking facility for guests' cars on club's premises.

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E M Forster in his popular novel A Passage to India gave shadow reference to Bankipore Club as Chandrapore Club.[7]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Take to swimming, beat the heat - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  2. ^ "Liquor ban: Firms stay away from city hotels - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  3. ^ Sahay, Navneet (4 November 2016). Patna: A Paradise Lost!: Saga of a 2500 Year Old City from Ajatshatru to Present Day Patna. Notion Press. ISBN 9781946204547.
  4. ^ "Bankipore Club turns 150, old-timers rue its missing charm". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 27 December 2015. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  5. ^ O`malley, L. S. S. (1924). Bihar And Orissa District Gazetteers Patna. Concept Publishing Company. ISBN 9788172681210.
  6. ^ "::: About Bankipore Club ::: Estd. 1864". www.bankiporeclub.com. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  7. ^ a b "Bankipore Club turns 150, old-timers rue its missing charm". Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  8. ^ "Come April, pools open for swimming - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 18 December 2017.