| Formation | 1865; 160 years ago (1865) |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Bankipore |
| Location |
|
| Services | Club |
Bankipore Club[1][2] is a social club inPatna and is one of the oldest clubs ofIndia and second oldest inEast India afterCalcutta Rowing Club.[3] It was founded in 1865[4] during theBritish Raj. The club is located in Bankipore neighbourhood of Patna.[5]
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 byEuropeans.[6] It was renamed Bankipore Club later, as Bankipore was the civil station of Patna District.
The club has hosted renowned personalities like cricketerW G Grace andSir Edmund Hillary. Hillary preferred to stay at the club when he undertook a rowing expedition across the Ganges.[7]
The main building of the club houses the reception, lobby and offices. And
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 foursuites for the guests. The club also provides its grounds for marriages and various events.
The club currently has 600 permanent members and 1500 service members.
The club also has conference hall for affiliated club members. There is parking facility for guests' cars on club's premises.
E M Forster in his popular novelA Passage to India gave shadow reference to Bankipore Club as Chandrapore Club.[7]
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