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    The Curious Case of the Hindu Gymkhana

    Written by: Sadaf Shahzad
    Posted on: August 06, 2020 |

    Hindu Gymkhana Now

    Those who frequently venture to on Sarwar Shaheed Road in Karachi to watch the plays performed at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA), must be quite familiar with the towering and imposing structure of Hindu Gymkhana. The Gymkhana has been NAPA’s primary site of cultural activity and performance, but its name and origins leave some curious about its history. The journey that Hindu Gymkhana has taken through time, and the legal issues it has been facing, makes it one of the more complex and understated cases in Karachi’s heritage history.

    The building was established in 1925 as a health club for the Hindu upper classes, who then formed the commercial elite of Karachi. At the time, it was named Seth Ramgopal Goverdhandas Mohatta Hindu Gymkhana after the leading Hindu philanthropist of the city, and was spread over 47,000 square yards of land (about 8 acres). It represents a monument of luxury and artistic mastery, in terms of its architecture.

    Hindu Gymkhana in the 1920's (photo credits to CAP)

    What is distinct about the Gymkhana is its architecture: it was the first of its kind to use a Mughal-Revivalist style. The building was made by India’s first Muslim architect, Agha Ahmed Hussain, who also created the design for Mohatta Palace. The small building has a primary hall, and some smaller rooms attached. Its roofline has delicate and intricately detailed cupolas, inspired by Emperor Akbar’s Fatehpur Sikri. Umbrellas cover the corners of the central roof, and their slanting features are also reminiscent of Akbar’s time. The stones for the thick walls came from Bijapur in South India, while the cupola walls are Gizri Stone and the carvings are made of Jodhpur stone.

    The Rooftop (photo credits to mahwishjkhan on instagram)

    Post Independence, the building was deserted as wealthy Hindus left for India, and the building became evacuee property. Since it is protected by the Sindh Cultural Heritage Protection Act, no one was legally allowed to do constructions, repairs, renovations. The place fell to ruins, with much of its plot sold to a nearby police station. Due to the building’s deteriorating condition, it was set to be demolished in 1984, but was saved from demolition by Heritage Foundation. Hindu Gymkhana briefly became a centre for Sindhi arts and crafts in the Bhutto regime, and funds were issued to conserve the building.

    In 2005, the Musharraf regime gave the building to NAPA on a 30-year lease. While this ensured that Hindu Gymkhana would be saved from decay, not everyone supported this action. In fact, the decision was met with much hostility from the remaining Hindu community in Pakistan, who made statements asking for their heritage site, and the return of artifacts taken from the site. Construction of an auditorium on the premises (though not in the building itself), has led to a major issue of contention, and new legal battle over the space.

    A Stone Archway Inside Hindu Gymkhana (photo credits to shahzadaslamshaikh on instagram)

    Currently, there are at least 17 cases related to Hindu Gymkhana’s property, and a continuing battle between NAPA and the Sindh government over possession of the site. In 2018, the Sindh government issued a notice for NAPA to shift their premises from Hindu Gymkhana once more, so that the building may be used as a heritage site. However, this decade-long legal battle has yet to be resolved, and NAPA has not vacated the building yet. Many believe that the work done by NAPA in bringing about cultural activity in Karachi is far too important to be overlooked. It has consistently organized mesmerizing and multi-discipline performances, which have become a regular feature in the cultural landscape of the country. Forcing a shift without ensuring NAPA’s future stability could leave a void in the country’s cultural scene, which would be difficult, if not impossible to fill.

    Details on the Building (photo credits to pakistanthrumyeyes on instagram)

    Hindu Gymkhana is a fascinating case study of a complex battle over heritage spaces, with valid claims on each side. While it is wrong to be illegally constructing buildings on heritage spaces that have been claimed by a specific community, it would be wrong to leave NAPA without some sort of support or compensation in exchange for the area. Some have suggested that the building be jointly owned, but those interested in this case’s developments will have to wait some time for the issue to be resolved.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021