Bengal Rowing Club

Foundation

The foundation stone of the Bengal Rowing Club (then Marvari Rowing Club) club was laid on 25 August 1929. It took 6 years to finish constructions and finalise arrangements. The sports club was opened to its members in 1935. The club came to notice for its casual attire rules and intake of women members, which was in stark contrast to some of the other British clubs around the city. This was a sign of Indians uniting to non-cooperate with British raj rules and establish their own rules.

The club was called the Marvari Rowing Club because club facilities were initially intended for people who had travelled from Rajasthan, as traders, to Kolkata. These traders are referred to as Marvaris (citizens from the princely state of Marvar, Rajasthan).

Backdrop

When Kolkata was swept over by a wave of westernization during the 1920s, the community’s loyalty to their traditional life-style gave them the look of a close-knit society. At the same time, a need was felt for a common platform for exchange of ideas. So the progressive men of the community came together to form a Club – ‘The Marvari Rowing Club’.

Important Events

Initially, the Club functioned out of the residence of its first Secretary Sri Kanai Lalji Jatia, a situation that repeated itself during the Second World War when the Club was shifted to the residence of a member. Under the guidance of its first President Sir.B.D.Goenka and other founding members, the Club slowly built for itself a trustworthy reputation.

During the second half of the Second World War (1942–1945), the club premises were requisitioned by the army and all club activities were stalled.

At the onset rowing was considered as a pastime activity for physical fitness. This changed over time as the club was opened to other sections of society and members starting competing in many national and international championships.

Facility

The club houses cutting edge, fiberglass boats for the sport of rowing. The club has over 50 boats, which include fours, scull, double scull and doubles. All oars used are built by 'Concept 2' and used in races worldwide. BRC also has kayaking and paddling boats that are mostly used for leisure to get around the lake waters.

The club has expanded its infrastructure beyond rowing. It offers other sporting facilities, including a badminton court, a squash court, several table tennis boards, multiple snooker and pool boards, darts and a 25-meter, 3-lane swimming pool.

The club gym, next to the swimming pool, holds modern equipments like indoor rowing, treadmill, and cycles among other workout machines.

The club has two fine dining restaurants. The Regency is located on the first floor of the club and can accommodate 50 diners; Water View Restro is located next to the lawns, which extend to the lake on the northern side. Members can also enjoy meals on the green lawns by the lakeside. A small pub called Mirage is located on the first floor. There are two halls on the first floor, which is used for small get-togethers organised by the club.

Sports

Rowing is the primary sport of the club. Several championships are organised throughout the year. These include:

The club also hosts an inter club sports meet, annually during winter. Sports included are badminton, squash, cricket, table tennis, rowing, snooker, and billiards.

Fun Events

The important events on the club calendar include the following:

Food

The food of the club is well known throughout the city. The club offers vegetarian food only. Garlic and onion free meals are also served for the advantage of Jain members. The cuisines served are:

Jalebi, an Indian sweet dish, is the biggest attraction on the menu. The jalebi is well known for its extra large size and its saffron flavoring.

Popular Culture

Over the years, various high-profile guests have visited the club. These include: