THE ASIATIC SOCIETY OF MUMBAI
The Mumbai Research Centre
Society and the Season
- An online lecture series presented by
The Mumbai Research Centre of The Asiatic Society of Mumbai
Did you know that the Bombay Gymkhana came into existence almost a decade and a half before the date on its emblem? Or that one of its first Secretaries was a court-martialled Lieutenant from the Bombay Native Infantry? Or that the word Gymkhana itself is almost certainly invented in Bombay? Similarly, the invention of Yacht clubs in Bombay precedes the establishment of the Royal Bombay Yacht Club by several years.
331 years ago, Bombay got its first tavern alongside pioneering the very first recipe for drinking Punch. The inventions didn't stop there either. One of the later tavern keepers of the Bombay Tavern proposed a plan for establishing the earliest telegraphic communication between Bombay and Calcutta.
Learn all these and many more fascinating stories of the hospitality and social events in Bombay, such as the fact that the Bobbery Hunt would ride every Sunday from the doorstep of St. Thomas' Cathedral or that early "Griffins" arriving in Bombay without adequate social introductions were almost certainly consigned to the "wigwams" on the Esplanade.
Sign up for this multi-part online lecture series by Sharon Irani, to explore the rise of Bombay's social scene and the clubs, hotels and gymkhanas that catered to the bon-vivant of yore.
About Speaker:
Sharon Irani
Born in Bombay, Sharon Irani is a writer, researcher, editor and poet who is deeply interested in history and literature. She is a resident life member of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai and one of Historical Researchers to contribute to the Afghan Memorial Church Interpretation Center.
Dates: 17th, 18th and 19th July 2025
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Mode: Online, on Zoom platform
Fees: ₹1,000 (₹750 for Members)
Registration Link:
General: https://rzp.io/rzp/satsGENERAL
Members: https://rzp.io/rzp/satsMEMBERS
Please Note:
NO REFUNDS will be issued in case you choose to cancel your registration unless the event is cancelled by The Asiatic Society of Mumbai due to any unforeseen circumstances.
NO RECORDINGS will be provided.
Please Join the WhatsApp Group. The joining link will be on the Razorpay Receipt emailed to you after registration.
- Prof. Mangala Sirdeshpande, Hon. Secretary Asiatic Society of Mumbai.
- Dr. Shehernaz Nalwalla , Vice President of the Society & Chairperson – MRC