Our Heritage

300 Years of Brotherhood

The Story of Freemasonry — from 1717 to today.

The Beginning

It Started in a London Tavern

In 1717, four lodges in London did something that changed the course of fraternal organizations forever.

They formed the Grand Lodge of England. They elected a Grand Master. They created a tradition that would spread across the world.

Within 12 years, Freemasonry had reached India.

India's Story

India Joins the Brotherhood

1728

Calcutta petition — Brethren petition for a Provincial Grand Lodge. Brother Pomfret constitutes the first regular Lodge at Fort William in Bengal.

1752

Provincial Grand Lodge formed in Madras

1758

Provincial Grand Lodge created in Bombay

1775

Omdat-ul-Omrah, Nawab of Carnatic, becomes the first Indian Freemason

1872

Mr. P.C. Dutt of Calcutta becomes the first Hindu Freemason — breaking barriers that had stood for nearly 150 years

India's Own Grand Lodge

When India Got Its Own Grand Lodge

1959

Grand Masters of England, Ireland, and Scotland meet in London. Decision: an independent Grand Lodge for India is desirable.

1960

A Steering Committee, led by R.W. Bro Lt. Gen. Sir Harold Williams, travels across India gathering input from all lodges.

1961

Out of 277 lodges, 145 (over 52%) vote to form the new Grand Lodge.

Nov 24

The Grand Lodge of India is constituted at the Ashoka Hotel, New Delhi.

Nov 27

The Regional Grand Lodge of Northern India is inaugurated. R.W. Bro. Dr. Durga Prasad becomes our first Regional Grand Master.

Northern India: 64 Years Later

From that first lodge at Fort William to today —
the mission hasn't changed.

Making good men better.

133+

Craft Lodges

Royal Arch Chapters

Mark Lodges

Masonic Centres

Be Part of It

Your Chapter Starts Here

300 years of history. One brotherhood. Your moment to join it.