Home

GLIMPSES FROM THE HISTORY

1ST EDITION
2ND April, 2004

REVISED EDITION
6TH December, 2005

COMPILED BY:
Maj. Mazhar Pervez Akhtar

THE JOURNEY FROM

GOVERNMENT WARDS INSTITUTION AMBALLA CITY - 1868
TO
PUNJAB CHIEFS COLLEGE-2nd January, 1886
TO
AITCHISON COLLEGE-13 November, 1886

1864: Captain Tighe, then D.C. of Umballa had an idea to establish a school for the young Sirdars of the District, which resulted in the establishment of a Wards School in Umballa, under
  an English gentleman 1868.
1874: Sir Henry Davies widened the scope of Wards School, for education of all government wards living in other parts of Punjab.
1882: HE Lt. Gen Sir Charles U. Aitchison took interest in the matter and systematic efforts were made by him to convert Government Wards School into a Chiefs College.
1884: The present constitution of the College is based on the set of rules framed for the Wards School, Umballa by Mr. Coldstream, Commissioner of Umbala.
1885: Following sites were proposed for the location of the College :
  • Shahdara On account of free drainage into the riverbed (River Ravi)
  • North Maeen Meer Road As the land had higher elevation and was well protected from flooding (This site was later selected). The water level was 24 feet deep.
1886:- The college building design was a collaborative effort of two engineers, Bhai Ram Singh, Vice Principal of Mayo School of Arts and Col. S. S. Jacob, Executive Engineer at Jeypore.
  Mayo School of Arts design was used for the exterior and the Jacob plan was used for the interior. The building had:
  • Hall (used for roll call)
  • 9 x classrooms
  • Science Laboratory
  • Library
  • Few small rooms
  • Museum (housed in upper gallery)

Design of the boarding house had following features, It was known as Block:

  • Sleeping room 18` x 16`
  • 2 x Bathrooms (attached)
  • 1 x kitchen
  • 2 x servant quarters
  • Syce  quarters
  • Stable for a horse
  • The block was quadrangle in shape, the space in the middle was for grass and flower-beds.
  • The side rooms were for Musahibs. The design was approved in September.
  • The Wards School had its first summer holidays from 31st Aug to 15th Oct when it was moved from Umbala to Lahore.


THE BIRTH OF AITCHISON COLLEGE

The antecedents of Punjab Chiefs College was a Govt Wards School, Umbala City (formerly Govt Wards Institution, Amballah City) where the Wards of Court of Amballah and neighbouring districts were educated. Of the 12 boys who came from the school to Punjab Chiefs College in October 1886, six were Sikhs, five Muslims and one Hindu. They were initially lodged in three rented bungalows on the Abbot Road till they were moved to the college premises in April 1889 when the boarding houses were completed. These twelve were Wards of Court except two, who were sent by the Commissioner of Delhi.  Wards of Court were boys whose estates were managed for them by the Government during their minority.
On 16th October, the college had the following staff on its rolls:

THE FIRST TEACHING FACULTY.

Serial Name  Designation
1 Mr. W. A Robinson. #Principal
2 Lala Amolak Ram Headmaster.
3 Lala Shiv Dhyal, M.A 2nd Master.  
4 Baba Dhirit Ram, B.A. 3rd Master.
5 Maulvi Rahim Baksh. 1st Oriental Teacher. 
6 Maulvi Mahmud Khan. 2nd Oriental Teacher.
*7 Maulvi Altaf Hussain Hali. Musahib(Mohammadan Boys).
*8 Pandit Sri Kishen. Musahib (Hindu Boys).
     

Note:  
#The Principal joined on 20th November.
*The last two were members of the supervising staff appointed by the Governor. Maulana Altaf Hussain Hali late became an Urdu legend.

*House Monitors were also to be appointed by the Superintendents of the boarding houses to assist Musahibs after the approval of the Governor.


THE FIRST BATCH.

Roll No.  Name Father’s Name 
1 Mumtaz Hussain Ali Khan.   Nawab Muhammad Mukhtar Hussain Ali Khan, Nawab of Pataudi.
2 Balwant Singh. Sardar Hakikat Singh of  Bir, Ludhiana.
3 Muhammad Ali Khan. Nawab Muhammad Ghulam Khan of Maler Kotla.
4 Yusaf Ali Khan.  Nawab Muhammad Ghulam Khan of Maler Kotla.
5 Zulfikar Ali Khan.  Nawab Muhammad Ghulam Khan of Maler Kotla.
6 Ram Narain Singh.   Sardar Partab Singh of Shahabad, Umballa.
7 Bachattar Singh.   Sardar Kishan Singh of Shahabad, Umballa.    
8 Shiv Narain Singh Sardar Dharm Singh of Shahabad, Umballa.
9 Jagjindar Singh  Sardar Jiwan Singh of Buria, Ludhiana
10 Harnarian Singh       Sodhi Rajvindar Singh of Anand pur, Hoshiar pur.
11 Ghulam Kasim Khan    Nawab Muhammad Akbar Khan of Tank,D.I. Khan
12 Autar Singh   Sardar Jai Singh of Manauli, Umballa.

Classification:-The 1st batch classification took place on 18th Oct as under:

  • 3rd Class High School
  • 2nd Class Middle School
  • 1st Class
  • Primary School
    • Class 1
    • Class 2
    • Class 3
    • Class 4
The college had two terms:
    • Summer Term  (1st term),    1st March    - 1st August.
    • Winter Term    (2nd Term), 15th October -  February.
    • Summer Holidays – 2 ½ months
    • Short Leave       – In Dec/Apr
  • Exams were to be held in  July, December and March
  • The college classes commenced on 20th October.
  • The college rented 5 bungalows by December as under:
    • Rai Mela Ram    Rs: 100 per month
    • Rai Mela Ram    Rs:120 per month
    • Haider Shah     Rs: 90 per month
    • Haji Maula Dad  Rs: 80 per month
    • Dina Nath         Rs: 100 per month
  • His Excellency, Lord Dufferin, the Viceroy and Governor-General laid the foundation stone of Punjab Chiefs College on 3rd November at 4 pm. The classes were started in three rented bungalows on the Abbot Road. The college was also allotted free land by the State near the Meean Mir Road, then at the outskirts of Lahore.  
  • On 3rd November, 13 students were presented to the Viceroy and G.G. of India, The Earl of Dufferin, after the inauguration ceremony.


AITCHISON COLLEGE (13th November, 1886)

  1. On 13th November, the Punjab Chiefs College was renamed as Aitchison College.
  2. Committee of Management was headed by the Governor consisting of the Principal and the Headmaster. The Principal was in charge of teaching and Headmaster was assistant to Principal in the school works, and reported directly to the Governor for Boarding House affairs.          
  3. The first time table of the Aitchison College is shown below:-

 Winter

Sunrise ……. Bathing, dressing, exercise
8 to 9 am ……. Preparation
9 to 10 am ……. Breakfast, etc.
10 am to 4 pm ……. School
4 to 6 or 7 pm ……. Exercise and recreation
7 to 8 pm ……. Dinner
8 to 9.30 pm ……. Preparation
10 to 11 pm ……. Bed, except on Saturdays and on special occasions, when leave to sit up later may be granted.

Summer

5:30 to 6:30 am ……. Bathing, dressing, etc.
7 am to 12 noon ……. School
12 to 1 pm ……. Breakfast
1 to 2 pm ……. Rest
2 to 5 pm ……. Preparation
5 to 8 pm ……. Exercise and recreation
8 to 9:30 pm ……. Preparation
10 to 11 pm ……. Dinner and bed, except on Saturdays and on special occasions, when leave to sit up later may be granted.

N.B:  Saturday, half-holiday. Sunday holiday.

  1. The First clothing list of Aitchison College is given below:-

Summer

Items Quantity
White Kurtas 12
Pyjamas 12
Coats or Chogas 6
Waistcoats, coloured or silk 2
Durbari suit 1

Winter

Items Quantity
Warm suit coat, waist coat and pyjamas 2
Over coat 1
Flannel shirts 4
Banians 4(Optional)

Common items

Pagris white 6
Sikhs, saffas 6
Handkerchiefs 8
Pairs of socks 8(optional)
Shoes 2
Tennis shoes 1(optional)

1887:   - The construction of the College main buildings started,


  • The first formal Annual Inspection system commenced on 25th July.
  • Classes were also held in a building occupied by Gen. Medley R.E.
  • Sir James Lyall, Governor and Patron of the College visited the College.
  • The school work was divided into 3 x sections
    • High School                   2 x Classes
    • Middle Department       2 x Classes
    • Primary Department     4 x Classes
    • Maulvi Altaf Hussain resigned on 7th June.

1888: - HE, Sir Charles Umpherston Aitchison paid a farewell visit to the college. 

  • The third boarding house proposal was approved.
  • Maulvi Altaf Hussain Hali resigned on 7 June, 1887.
  • Lyall Gold medal was introduced. It was awarded for good conduct and general achievements. Amrao Singh Majithia was the first recipient of the award.
  • On 11 May, the College council decided to put the names of the Donors, who contributed Rs.1000 or more on a marble plate in the Hall.

1889: - The Headmaster Mr. Kirthee Singh was appointed Superintendent of the Boarding Houses on 21st June.  He had Musahibs to assist him.

  • The first Headmaster Lala Amolak Ram resigned on 20 June.
  • Classes were later shifted to Boarding House No.1 (Common Room) from the rented bungalows  (Abbot Road) on 6th April. Classes were held in the three large halls.
  • Classes were also held in the hospital.
  • The Boarding Houses were classified as under
    • 1st Boarding House (Muslim students only).
    • 2nd Boarding House (Hindu and Sikh students only).
    • 3rd Boarding House (Sikh, Muslim & Hindu students only). It was for  scholarship holders and Wards of Court.         
  • The boys were not allowed to visit each other’s rooms in the boarding houses without permission.

1890: - The school building containing a hall, library and 10 x classrooms were completed alongwith a hospital and a gymnasium.

  • The college had its 1st Founder’s Day with sports events on 15th November, and an organized public school life began at Aitchison.
  • The classes were moved to the main building from Boarding House No.1 on 21st April.
  • Brick making for the construction of the college building was undertaken in an area North East of the Boarding Houses.
  • Maharajah of Nabha visited the College.
  • The Gynasium was sited North West of Boarding House No.3 by Mr. G.R. Elsmie, Financial Commissioner, Col. W.M. Holroyd and the Governor of the College, Maj. Gen. S. Black          C.S.I. The expenses were borne by Malik Umar Hayat of Shahpur.
  • H.R.H. Prince Albert Victor paid a visit to the College on 2nd Feb.
  • On 8th December, the College was re-registered as ‘Aitchison College’.
  • In December Nawab Abdul Majid C.S.I. and Sir Nawazish Ali Khan C.S.I. passed away.

1891: - Aina-Hind, a vernacular newspaper, published details of Ruling Chiefs and Sons reasons for not attending the College. The details are also mentioned in the Civil & Military Gazettee of December, 1890.

  • On 21st April, classes were moved to the Main Building.

1892: - The game of football was introduced.

  • The Prize Distribution Day held in Aitchison Hall in May. The visitors were seated on the left and the students on the right.
  • Mr. Kirthee Singh, Headmaster & Superintendent Boarding House ceased to function as Headmaster.

1893: - Students led a mutiny against their masters and vice versa. The Headmaster elected to resign in 1894, five of the students were expelled and a number of others were warned.

  • The first Governor of the College, Lt. Gen S. Black, CSI, died in May and was buried at sea between Gibraltar and England.

1894: - The Founder’s Day Sports events had eight annas as an entry fee.

  • On 18 & 19 Jun. there was no school as the premises near School were flooded due to rain.
  • H.E. The Viceroy, Lord Elgin visited the College.
  • Lt. Col. Loch, Principal Mayo College, Ajmer visited the College on 23rd October.

1895: - The pay scale was

  • Military officer   = Rs.1500.00 per mensen       
  • Headmaster      = Rs.300.00 per mensen
  • Teacher            = Rs.80.00 per mensen
  • The first Principal W.A. Robinson, died on 11 June at 3 p.m. due to sun stroke. The College was closed on 12 June.
  • The Mahraja of Bikanir visited the College and presented a silver cup to be competed for tent pegging.
  • Mr. W.A. Robinson daughter was married, the school was closed on 24 & 25 April.

1896: - Water courses were laid for systematic watering of the five playing fields.

  • Cricket Pavilion was subscribed to as a memorial to General Black, the first Governor of the college. 
  • Preparatory hours were introduced in the boarding houses
  • Serious cracks appeared in the archways of the main building but were repaired, only to reappear again.
  • Polo ground was under preparation.

1897: - Guardians were appointed for the sons of high-ranking chieftains. He was also known as, ‘Guardian of Manners’.

  • The central hall of the 3rd Boarding House was used as a workshop.
  • Boarding Houses were packed to capacity and it was decided that the ruling chiefs be allowed to construct their own State houses.
  • Sir Charles U. Aitchison died on 24 February.
  • Cricket, Football, Hockey & Tennis games were started.

1898: - Mrs. Dunlop Smith & Miss Aitchison, daughters of Sir Charles Umpherston Aitchison were present at the Founders Day Sports.

  • Boarding Houses were divided into blocks.

1899: - Proposal to construct the Headmaster’s residence near the boarding houses was floated in the inspection report at an approximate cost of Rs15000/- only.

1900: - Mosque and Bahawalpur House were completed, both the buildings were gifted by Nawab of Bahawalpur to the college.

  • All water channels were laid out.
  • Proposal to close the stairs leading to the roof of the boarding houses was made.
  • Dhobi Ghats were completed.
  • Debating club was established under A.Mcr Ogden, Headmaster.
  • Aitchison College won SIME Athletcs Challenge Cup against teams competing in Lahore Circle, i.e. Gurdaspur, Gujranwala, Amritsar, Lahore, Jhang and Montgomery. The Challenge Cup was named after Dr. Sime, Director of Public Instruction, Punjab.


  • Sirdar Partab Singh, Ahluwalia has generously consented to give Rs.100/- for three years for a gold medal to be styled Mackworth Young Bikram Medal. This medal will be awarded on the lines of Lyall Medal.
  • Nawab of Bahawalpur presented stuffed birds to the College.

1901: - The keeping of fire arms by the Kumars was banned in the college.

  • 30 x Martini Henry rifles were procured to train students in the art of musketry.
  • The College was closed on account of Queens death.

1902: - The Mohammedan boys were also lodged in Boarding House No.2.
1903: - Miss Aitchison on behalf of her mother Lady Aitchison presented Aitchison Challenge Cup (awarded to the best sportsmen) to the college to honour the memory of her late father Sir Charles U. Aitchison the Founder of the College on 6th March.

  • Ch. Rehmat Ali, the person who coined the name of Pakistan taught in Aitchison College.
  • A proposal was made to appoint Europeans as housemasters.
  • The Maharajah of Indore visited the College
  • The Maharaja of Dharbanga visited the College and agreed to subscribe to Dharamsala.

1904: - The post of Governor was abolished.

  • The boarding houses were re-designated as Boarding House No.1 etc.
  • Educational staff was reorganized. The college now had 2 x Assistant Principals besides the Principal.
  • A Silver Medal for the best English essay writer was introduced by the students with the assistance of Managing Committee to honour the services of Mr. J.C. Godley Principal from 1895 – 1904. The medal was called Godley Medal.
  • 1906: - Rivaz Medal was introduced by the Nawab of Bahawalpur, which is awarded to the best boy for his all-round performance, it was named after Sir Charles Rivaz.
  • Smoking was strictly banned.
  • Col.J.B.Hutchinson, CSI Governor of the college acted as the Principal from 1st April to 1st October, 1904.
  • The college had no headmaster as under the reorganization plan assistant Vice Principal was to look after the affairs.
  • At the conference of Chiefs College held at Ajmere from 11th – 16th March, 1904 following decisions were taken:
  • The religious education was formalized. After games Hindus were permitted to go to Mandir for ‘DARSHAN’ and Muslims for Maghrib prayers.
  • The nomenclature of the boarding housemasters who were having different designations in various institutions (given below) were standardized.
  • Mohtamids- Mayo School of Arts, Ajmere
  • Wingmasters/ Housemasters- Rajkumar College, Rajkot
  • *Musahibs- Aitchison College, Lahore

*Note: At Rajkot this designation was used for personal attendants.

  • 3 x servants were allowed per boy ( 1 x cook, 1 x body servant, 1 x groom)
  • Ruling Chiefs wards were allowed to have between 3-5 servants.
  • Improvements to cricket pavilion were contemplated which is named after Maj.Gen.S.Black C.S.I. a former Governor at the College, while retaining the original commemorative purpose.
  • It was decided to keep European House masters in the boarding House.

1905: - A dinner was held in honour of old boys after the annual sports event, which gave birth to ACOBA.         

  • The earthquake badly damaged the balcony of the Old Building.
  • The boys visiting the boarding houses following policy was laid down.
  • Must obtain written permission
  • Must get the chit counter signed from the housemaster of the boy visited and it was to be shown to the Musahib on demand.
  • Lord Curzon visited the College and 1st Boarding House.
  • Hon’ble Sir Ranbir Singh, K.C.S.I. Kanwar of Patiala presented a shield for Sports Competition between Mayo College and Aitchison College.
  • His Royal Highness Prince of Wales visited the College and 2nd Boarding House.
  • Mr. Jalal ud din Haider, Mr. Lala Cheetan Anand and Mr. Nasim Ali were appointed Senior House Masters of Boarding House No.1, 2 & 3 respectively.
  • Lt.Col. J.B.Hutchinson Ex-Governor of the College left the College. On his departure boys founded in commemoration of his services or challenge cup for tennis named ‘Hutchinson Tennis Challenge Cup’.
  • Shiv Dayal, The teacher of the 1st batch appointed Headmaster Central Model School.

1906: - The appointment of Musahibs, was done away with, as they were found to be lacking in education.

1906: -The work plan  for Temple and Dharmsala were made and the site selected. The cost of each was about Rs.18,000/-. An amount of Rs.13,765/- for Dharmsala and Rs.13,200/- for Temple was collected. The short fall of Rs.10,000/- was to be made up from appeals.

  • The Amir of Afghanistan paid an informal visit to the College.

1907: -  A Sikh mess was started.

  • Aitchison College Sports Contingent visited Ajmer.

1908: -  His Highness, Raja of Suket, a late student of the College, provided a sum of money from whose interest a gold medal would be presented to the student annually. It will be given to the students taking first position in Science and Mathematics subjects. It was named ‘DANE BHIMA MEDAL’.

  • Jafar Ali Khan, of Maler Kotla, promised to provide a silver medal to the winner of Aitchison Challenge Cup who attains highest number of points in sports.
  • More contributions were received for Dharmsala Rs.17,687/- and Temple Rs.17418/- on appeal by Sir James Wilson K.C.S.I.

1909: - A sports contingent from Mayo College Ajmer arrived to take part in Founders Day Sports. The party consisted of 4xStaff members, 18xStudents and 26xServants.

  • Lord & Mrs. Minto visited Aitchison College and 1st Boarding House after that the whole College left for Shalimar Gardens to attend the reception.
  • Plans were made to dismantle the present heavy balcony which runs on both side of the science room. The cost was estimated at Rs.4,537/-.
  • Mayo College, Ajmer paid a maiden visit to the College and played friendly fixtures in cricket, football, tennis, athletic sports and tent pegging.

1910: - The foundation stone of Temple and Dharamsala was laid by H.H. Maharaja of Darbhanga, and H.H. Maharaja of Patiala on 3rd January respectively. The building were constructed by P.W.D.

  • At the foundation stone laying ceremony following were present.
  • His Honour  The Governor.
  • President of the Council of the College.
  • The Hon’ble Mr. J. McCrone Douie, President, Committee of Management of the College.
  • The building was constructed by the P.W.D.
  • The plans were made to dismantle the heavy balcony on either side of the science room as it was badly shaken by an earthquake in 1905. It was to be replaced by a light structure at a cost of Rs.4,537/-.


1911: - A part of the college estate was leased to Punjab Light Horse Regiment for parade purposes but was also available for use by the College riding school.

  • Building of the Temple and Dharmsala commenced in October. The Council of Regency, Farid Kot State defrayed the cost of marble flooring at Dharmsala.
  • A request was made by Punjab Chiefs Association to represent it on the Managing Committee of the Chiefs College, Lahore, by Sardar Pratab Singh of Kapurthala, who was also the General Secretary of the Association. The association presented a Gold Medal which was given to a boy who stood first in classical languages.
  • A proposal was floated to establish a new advance college for the higher education of boys of the four Chiefs Colleges in India by Sir Elliot Graham Colvin K.C.S.I., Agent to the Governor General Rajputana. The proposal was to cost Rs.40 lakhs.
  • Aitchison won Tent pegging trophy from Mayo College, Ajmer for the first time in seven years of the competition history.

1913: - Electricity was provided to the College at an estimated cost of Rs.19,000/-.

          The following contributed to the installation of the electricity

1 The Council of Regency – Bahawalpur Rs.15,000/-
2 The Council of Regency – Farid Kot Rs.  1,000/-
3 HH Maharaja of Patiala  Rs.  1,000/-
4 Raj Bahadur the Honorable Rs.  1,000/-
  Lala Ram Sarn Das  
5 HH Raja of Chamba  Rs.    500/-
6 The Nawab of Mamdot  Rs.    500/-
7 The Honorable Malik Umer  
  Hayat Khan C.I.E. Rs.    500/-
8 The Punjab Chiefs Association Rs.    500/-
9 The Council of Regency, Kalsia State Rs.    500/-
     
  • Dharmsala and Temple completed.
  • A preparatory school for admissions to Aitchison College under the supervision of Queens Mary College was started. It was temporarily housed in a bungalow on Davies Road. The school building was to be erected opposite Queens Mary College.
  • Mayo College won back Kanwar Challenge Cup.

1914: - The system of appointing Junior House Masters was launched, to replace Musahibs.

  • The preparatory school building, a sum of Rs.60,000 was earmarked for its construction.
1915: - The cricket pavilion was improved. The plan to construct a guest house along with it was dropped. It was named Bahawal-Black Pavilion to honour Gen. Black and Nawab of Bahawalpur who gave funds for its renovation.
  • The drainage system was to be built in the boarding houses.
  • The building for Preparatory School was completed.
  • Aitchison College Sports contingent visited Mayo College Ajmer and won the Ranbir Challenge Shield. In 1916 it again repeated the feat.

1916: - The mess rear portion was used for dining and front portion as a recreation room.

  • Old newspapers were sold to jail authorities.
  • Dhobi was instructed to wash clothes twice a week, (Mondays and Thursdays)
  • Chowkidar was to take rounds of the boarding houses in two shifts.
  • 1st shift= 8:30 pm.-1am.
  • 2nd shift= 1am -5:30 am.

1917: - Prefects system was introduced.

  • Mosquito nets were provided.
  • Mr. Fritzgerld Archibald Leslie Jones was transferred to Mayo School, Ajmer in August and he directed the College affairs from there till the appointment of Mr.James Kelly as Principal on 28th October.

1918: - The number of prefects was raised from 4 to 6, e.g. 2 per boarding house and 1 for day boys House.

  • Mayo College won the Ranbir Challenge Shield.
  • Ch. Rehmat Ali joined Aitchison College as a tutor upto 1923.
  • The College had the first batch of prefects appointed by Mr. James Kelly, the Principal on 31st January.
Roll No. Name Year Remarks
371 Raja Abdul Hameed Khan 1918  
384 Autar Singh 1918  
440 Durga Singh 1918  
495 Ghulam Sarwar 1918  
       

Roll No. Name Year Remarks
454 Jogindar Singh 1921-22  
455 Ghulam Mehdi Khan 1921-22 First House
462 Shaukat Ali 1921-22 Third House
516 Harnam Singh 1921-22 Second House
       

Mr. Parmpal Singh was the prefect for the outside house.
1919: - Horses were kept near the boarding houses.

  • Aitchison played against Khalsa Juniors, Amritsar and lost.
  • Cattle sheds were renovated.

1920: - College Hockey team visited Patiala – No result.

  • Mayo College contingent stayed at HH Raja of Chamba House.
  • Swimming Competition was held with the Khalsa Junior School Amritsar.
  • Aitchison College lost the annual fixture against Mayo College, Ajmere.

1921: - Aitchison during its visit to Ajmer won the Kanwar Challenge Cup.


1922: - War memorial tablets were unveiled by H.E. Maharaja of Patiala in the Main Building on 6th December, 1922.

  • Bahawalpur Challenge Cup for Gymnastics was no longer an individual cup, it was declared team event cup.
  • At Amitsar, we beat Khalsa Collegiate School Joginder Singh of ManakMajra Amritsar was Captain of 3 x College teams, i.e. Cricket, Football & Hockey.

1923: - Swimming bath was operational. College buildings were more or less complete.        

  • College teams played sports fixtures against Khalsa College, Amritsar.
  • The College team visited Aligarh. The expenses were borne by HH Maharajah of Patiala.
  • Rani of Mandi donated the Swimming Cup named ‘Mandi Challenge Cup’.
  • Fixtures against Mayo College/stopped in 1920/21.

1924: - The Mayo College withdrew from the Patiala Challenge Shield.

  • The hill Chiefs, left the College as an hostel was constructed in the Bishop Cotton School, Simla. Thus reducing the strength in the College.

1925: - Attendance in Temple and Gurdwara were made compulsory.
1926: - Walls around swimming bath were made of masonry.

  • The annual day sports events were washed due to rain.

1927: - Malik Chiragh Khan Debating Cup was introduced for best debater in English.

  • Inter House Challenge Cups tournaments in Cricket, Football, Hockey were introduced.
  • The College teams played it’s maiden sports fixture against King George V Royal Indian Military College, Jhelum.

1928: - Sayyid Muhammad Jafar Shah, a distinguished Aitchisonian and an ace Hockey Olympian was awarded the following awards:

  • Aitchison Challenge Cup (Declared the best athlete)
  • Best Tennis player
  • Rivaz Gold Medal- The best all-rounder of the year.
  • Mr. Lala Dhani Ram Kapila was appointed Headmaster in 1928 when Lala Chetan Datt retired as Headmaster the same year.
  • A camp was held at Niaz Beg Canal Rest House.
Aitchison visited Military School at Jullundar playing Football and Hockey.

  • The system of Inter House matches where each house is divided into 3 groups namely Seniors, Middles & Junior was introduced so that every boy practically took part in the games.

1929: - Rivaz Medal was not awarded.

  • Road paving was undertaken.
  • Sikh Gurdawara was provided with small tubewell. The floor was lined with grey streaked marble slabs.
  • College had a soda water shop.
  • Efforts were made to revive the Patiala Shield Competition but Mayo College, Ajmere declined. It opted to play Daly College Indore. H.E. Maharajah of Patiala expressed his desire to offer a new Shield in case plans to play Military College, Dehra Dun went ahead.

1930: - In the North India Olympia Water Polo Competition the Aitchison College team won the competition.

  • The 2nd Bn1st Gurkha Regiment stayed in the College Governor quarters from May to September and presented a silver challenge bowl. It was called Willingdon Challenge Cup and awarded to the best cricketer of the year. A player could not be awarded it for two years in succession.
  • 1931:   Fees :-
  • Rs.85/- per mensen were charged from each Kumar (student).
  • Rs.70/- in the middle classes
  • Rs.55/- in the lower classes
  • Lean to shed was constructed for keeping 14x bullocks used for ploughing in all weathers.
  • Time Table. A specimen:
  • 7:30 am to 8:00 am Games or PT
  • 8:05 am to 8:30 am Religious observance except Muslims
  • 8:30 am to 9 am   house study
  • 9:00 am to 9:45 am Breakfast
  • 9:45 am to 9:55 am Roll Call in College Building
  • School till 1:15 pm
  • 1:15 pm to 1:55 pm Muslims for prayers Tiffin
  • 1.55 pm to 3.05 pm Tiffin (2 x periods for 35 minutes each)
  • 4 to 5:15 pm Games
  • 5:45 pm to 6:15 pm Religious Observance
  • 6:30 pm Evening Meals
  • 8:00 pm Compulsory Study
  • 9:00pm Lights off Junior Boys
  • 10:00 pm Lights off, elder Boys 
  • Water Supply: Water metering system was introduced

1932: - In January, Boarding House Number 3 was closed temporarily as a measure of retrenchment and shortage of boys, but was again opened in October.
The Mohammadan boys were moved to boarding house Number 1.
1933: - The system of English tutors was abolished in the boarding houses.      

  • A break of 10 minutes was introduced in the summer term classes.                  
  • Clothing list was introduced.               
  • The college was affiliated with Cambridge University. 
  • Cock House trophy was introduced.               
  • The post of junior housemasters in boarding houses was abolished.     
  • It was decided to post the English members of staff as housemasters.
  • The same year, the boarding houses were no longer divided on communal basis.
  • English members were appointed Housemaster Dormitories for smaller boys in 1st BH under the care of Mrs. Russel.
  • Cock House Competition was introduced.
  • The Sports prizes were reorganized and the donors were asked to present the Challenge Cups. Replicas were awarded to the winners.
  • Inter School matches were played as under.
  • 1.  Bishop Cotton School (Football)
  • 2.  Colvin Taluqdars College, Lucknow (Hockey).
  • 3.  Alexandra High School, Bhopal, Hockey.
  • 4.  Raj Kumar College, Raipur (Hockey & Tennis).

1934: - Prefect system was improved; each house had a senior and a house prefect.             

  • The first Cambridge School Certificate Class, candidate passed with credits in three subjects.           
  • College total area increased to 175 acres.       
  • Cricket pitch was re-laid.                   
  • The wiring done in 1912 was replaced.


  • Water Supply. The proposal for metering by the Lahore Municipial Corporation was dropped.
  • System of drainage was introduced
  • Science room used as a library
  • Library at the place was shifted to gymnasium
  • Electrical installations were replaced
  • Messers  A.F Ferguson & Co, a Chartered Accountant Firm was engaged to audit the College accounts.
  • Boys study/excursion group visited Delhi and Agra.
  • The post of Junior Headmaster was abolished and the staff amalgamated into the educational staff.
  • A portion of the upper parapet of Main College Building having been damaged in the earthquake was dismantled in March.
  • Mr. Dhani Ram Kapila, Headmaster, took the College football team to Bishop Cotton School Shimla.
  • In December the Principal took the party to Raj Kumar College, Raipur, they visited Sanchi and industrial units. The cost per head was Rs.140.

 1935: - The college main building was renamed as Aitchison Hall.

  • School year began in October and ended in July. Promotions were made in July. 
  • Old science block was converted into staff roomand library.  
  • Average cost was only Rs.1842 p.a.
  • Fee- April 1935                    
  • Boarders: Form1&2 Rs.110.p.a         
  • Boarders: Form 3&4 Rs.125.p.a         
  • Boarders: Form 5&6 Rs.140.p.a         
  • Dayboys, All categories Rs.105.p.a         
  • Average cost was only Rs.1842.50 p.a.
  • Boarding House No.3 remained closed throughout the year.
  • Catering committee consisting of three ladies and two masters was formed.
  • Gymnasium was converted into science laboratory.
  • Boys from surrounding areas were allowed admission. The policy of admission was broadened. 
  • The College played a football match against Bishop Cotton School, Simla and lost by 3 goals. The team was lead by Headmaster, L. Dhani Ram Kapila.
  • The College introduced on experimental basis a new winter uniform.
  • Blue Blazer
  • Grey Sweater
  • Shirt
  • Flannel Trousers
  • Shorts
  • College tie
  • Achkan was kept for ceremonial purposes
  • All group photographs in the possession of the College, were collected and placed in Pavilion, Aitchison Hall and Boarding Houses.

1936: -College published its first college magazine named ‘Pioneer’ under Ch.Atta Ullah Khan’s guidance. He was also the Assistant House Master Kelly House. 

  • Tennis wall, near water tank was completed.         
  • Boarding Houses were renamed as under:         
  • 1st Boarding House   =      Kelly House         
  • 2nd Boarding House   =      Godley House         
  • 3rd Boarding House   =      Leslie Jones House

(These were named after the respective Principals of the College) 

  • Showcase in each dining hall was completed to display trophies.
  • College celebrated Golden Jubilee from 13th to 16th March.
  • Carrying of books to classes by servants was stopped.
  • Monthly general knowledge tests were introduced.
  • The Headmaster Lala Dhani Ram Kapila was honoured with the title of Rai Sahib.
  • Jubilee House was created to group together dayboys. It was created to honour Golden Jubilee celeberations.
  • A jumping school added to the existing Riding School.
  • A new dress was introduced the cloth was brought from England 20xSenior boys were associated in group of 2 to 4 with the Head of Deptt. to acquaint themselves with the administration.
  • A educational tour was undertaken and 17 boys visited following places.
  • Ajmer
  • Udaipur
  • Jodhpur
  • Bikaner.
  • Raj Kumar College visited Aitchison College and played Tennis and Hockey.
  • The first edition of College magazine ‘Aitchison’ was published.
  • Ch. Atta Ullah paid a visit to Mayo College, Ajmere to study the open air relief model.

1937: - Dormitories in L.J House were long and airy; It had two rooms and an almirah with two bathrooms. Matrons occupied two front rooms. Boys initially had meals in Kelly House mess.  

  • Jubilee House was raised for day boys only. It had two wings for juniors and seniors respectively
  • Old desks in Aitchison Hall were replaced by tables and stools, each table seated six boys.
  • A new hospital block was constructed adjoining the old hospital.
  • Central kitchen block was constructed behind Godley house
  • Old electric fans were replaced with new ones.
  • Rewiring of Aitchison Hall, Temple, L.J house and Bungalow No.2 was completed.
  • Entrance from canal side was provided. Cypress avenue tarred.
  • The drive from Mall side was converted to green border.
  • Separate kitchens were made for Jhatka and Halal meals. 
  • 6 x shower baths were installed in the swimming pool. 
  • Junior School gate was installed with its opening towards the Mall Road.
  • Vegetable farms spread over 3 acres started in the college.
  • LJ House was converted completely from House of cubicles to House of dormitories to accommodate 64 boys.

1938: - Green cemented floor in L.J House was laid replacing darries and mattress floor.

  • 2 x classes were held for a short time in the Pavilion
  • Mosque and Gurdwara were rewired.
  • A new Muslim kitchen was added.
  • Music classes were introduced.
  • Fee concession of 15% to one and 25%, to two brothers was extended to the boarders in the boarding house.  
  • Vehicular traffic on road in front of L.J house was stopped. 
  • A Yogi-Bala Parshad of Gwalior stopped his pulse and heart beat for 30 seconds, which was testified by two doctors.
  • Hockey/ Football fields and 8 x Tennis courts were added.       
  • Hockey field was known as Muhammad Jafar Hockey field.
  • An out door relief map on the pattern of Mayo College Ajmere was prepared.


1939: - Foundation stone was laid for new academic block in the Senior School.

  • New Hospital completed.
  • Mosquito nets were provided in the Houses.
  • The practice of admissions throughout the year was discontinued.
  • Cricket match played against The Doon School ended in a draw.
  • Association of Heads of School held its first meeting in Simla in July and second in Gwalior in October.
  • A group of boys visited Burma.
  • The Doon School paid a maiden visited to the College, played a cricket match which ended in a draw.

1940-41: - New classrooms block (Barry Block) for seniors was inaugurated.

  • Music class revived with the hiring of a new teacher
  • School term was re-scheduled from January to December.
  • Mr. J. M. Gwyn was appointed Housemaster of Churchill House that was housed in a rented bungalow on Zafar Ali Road. It was later transferred to three bungalows on the canal bank beyond the Jail Road bridge. A batch of twenty English students joined in 1941. During summers they were moved to Simla to avoid the heat. The boys stayed at ‘Jammu Castle’ and ‘Pari Mahal’ in Simla East.
  • Mr. J. M. Gwyn was temporarily appointed Headmaster, Aitchison College, Simla branch.
  • Barber shop and saloon for use of  boys and staff was provided.
  • College affiliation with Punjab University was in planning stages.            
  • Reflooring of Kelly and L.J houses was completed
  • Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah was appointed Headmaster of Aitchison College Simla branch, established as summer school for the British students.
  • Cycle Polo was played.
  • Aitchison won the return cricket match against Dehra Doon, School.

1942: - Mrs. Russel (Housemistress) worked hard to develop the three boarding houses. Her mother gifted teak benches as a farewell gift to the college which was placed outside the boarding houses and elsewhere.

  • A quarter for the dairy munshi was constructed.
  • Matriculation system adopted for boys who could not take  Cambridge School Certificate
  • Synchronisation of dates for College closure during holidays between Queens Mary College and Aitchison was reached.               
  • Bahawalpur House was temporarily converted into a boarding house.                  
  • Sir Syed Maratib Ali Shah provided 2 x Ornamental gates for the main entrance on the Mall.                 
  • The new dormitories were provided with new furniture. 
  • Jaffar Memorial Pavilion was inaugurated by Nawab of Bahawalpur.
  • Churchill House was moved to the college premises.
  • Stars and Daggers system was introduced for the award of Cock House Trophy to the best all-round House. 

1944: - Anwar Sikandar Khan, Headmaster Senior School stayed at Fanny Villa, Simla East, during his visit.

  • Churchill House closed.

1945: - Aitchison College and Patiala College Cricket teams celebrated Golden Jubilee by playing a friendly match.           

  • New pantry was constructed in the Godley House Mess.
  • New boundary wall was constructed.
  • Senate of the Punjab University agreed to accept the Cambridge School Certificate Examination for admissions to Engineering and Medical colleges.
  • Dennys High School Rawalpindi was defeated by the College in the Jaffer Memorial Hockey Tornament.
  • On 5th Nov , the boys of the Higher School Certificate Department organized a strike to join the INA movement.
  • College earned money from film companies by letting them use the swimming bath and college buildings and grounds.
  • On 4th April 1945 the PT Squad of 10th/8th Punjab Regiment gave a display to the College.
  • Boundary wall on Sundardas Road was constructed.

1947: - The ground opposite Jaffar Memorial was used as parade ground.        

  • The boys wore heat cathleen in summers and turbans in classes.            
  • The post of Senior Housemaster was introduced. He was responsible for clothing, shop bills, college hospital and all matters affecting boys, general health and welfare.      
  • Kelly house was closed in August/September due to partition of the Sub-continent. The boys were shifted to Godley House. A portion of it was named as Kelly house.


1948: - Barry Block was completed.

  • Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was appointed Patron in Chief of the College.            
  • Junior school opened in Bungalow No.3 & 4 in the College.           
  • Boarding house for Junior School opened with transfer of boys from L.J House on February 11th 1948.         
  • The college played cricket match against Mozang High School and were beaten.
  • Regular sporting links were established with GC & FCC Lahore.         
  • Decision to start separate Prep School from 1949 was taken.  
  • Cadet Corps for boys over 13-½ age was started.
  • Kelly House was re-opened in January.           
  • Truck Maintenance Course on Apr 27, 1948 was conducted by ‘Probyn’s Horse a regiment of the Pakistan Armoured Corps.     
  • Decision to install modern sanitation system in the three Boarding Houses was taken.

1949: - Sports fixtures with Pakistan Military Academy was held.

  • Fixture with Lawrence College was initiated. 
  • On January 20, Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan, Prime Minister visited the college.            
  • The students were graded up to ‘F’ grade.           
  • Riding was made compulsory.
  • PAF launched Air Scout Patrol. Aero modelling center was set up in one of the school rooms in the senior school.
  • The inauguration of Manual Training Dept. having facilities like carpentry, black smithship, varnish and enameling was established.

1950: - The work on Syed Jalal ud Din Haider Oriental library started.

  • A boundary wall was constructed on the college footage from the canal bridge down to the road ending near the parade ground near Jaffar Memorial.
  • Pantry was constructed at the back of Aitchison Hall for Junior School.
  • Aitchison College played Hockey match against King George V Royal Pakistan Military College Jehlum. The match was drawn.

1951: - Work on planting a fruit garden started.
1953: - Syed Jallal-ud-din Haider Library was opened.           

  • Construction work on Junior School swimming pool started.
  • Founder’s day was held in October.
  • The flush system was installed in the Boarding Houses.

1954: - The College had an unintentional holiday. It had 16 inches of rainfall in 24 hours. No work could be done for 4 days and games were interrupted for 10 days.

  • Junior School swimming pool was inaugurated.
  • Maj. G.D Langlands joined the college after serving the British/Indian/Pakistani armies, and was appointed Housemaster Kelly House.
  • Pataudi Challenge Cup was presented by the Pataudi family to the college.
  • Tube well near Jaffar Memorial Hockey Ground was completed. 

1956: - Mr. Chou En Lai visited the college.

  • Mr. James Kelly died on 14th January. He was assistant Principal for 13 years and Principal from 1917-1933.

1960: - Junior School is constructed at a place, where earlier the mango orchard had been.
1962: - The Cambridge O’ level examination course length was fixed at 3 years.

  • All admissions were made through Prep school and non-direct system was finished except for admissions in the HSC classes.
  • Matric system was abolished, (P1,P2,P3)

1963: - Matric system reintroduced.

  • Teacher’ Pay:- A Glimpse
  • Senior Grade               650-40-1050-50-1250           
  • Junior Grade                400-25-800-40-1000
  • Junior Grade mistress   250-15-400-25-625
  • Kelly Club premises were temporarily used as classrooms for Junior School.   
  • Kitchen was provided in Kelly Club.   
  • K 0 added for youngest boys in the Junior School.      
  • Cow shed for 60 cows was constructed.          
  • Dairy farm provided butter to the boys in the boarding houses. 
  • Bullock carts with wooden wheels were replaced with tyre wheels.
  • 100 x quarters colony was constructed.
  • College played a fixture against Cadet College Petaro and won the rubber.

1964: - Junior School building was inaugurated by Field Marshal Ayub Khan.

  • Prep School separated from Senior School and shifted to Old building (Aitchison Hall).
  • Principal and College offices moved to Mandir.

1965: - Indo-Pak War; The College was closed and some teachers were sent to Rawalpindi to hold Senior Cambridge and Higher Secondary Classes. They   returned by 1st Nov, 1965 without the need being felt.
1966: - Saigol House, a gift from the Saigol Foundation was inaugurated by Governor Malik Amir Muhammad Khan on 22nd Nov. It houses Prep School boarders.

  • Junior School structure reorganized. A system of 5 classes was introduced while that of 6 was abolished.           
  • Boys were not allowed to drive cars. They were discouraged from using cars and encouraged  to use cycles and auto cycles.           
  • Tractors were purchased for the college dairy farm and for other purposes.       
  • Boundary wall around pen constructed.
  • Films from British Council, BIS and USIS were regularly screened.
  • L.J House interior was changed beyond all expectations. It was split up into the Junior, Prep and Senior School sections. Boys temporarily accommodated in Bahawalpur House were sent back to L.J House. It accommodated boys of Prep School.
  • School Marshal was appointed to ensure discipline.
  • Earthenware pots were replaced with water coolers and provided at a rate of one per hundred students in the school.
  • ACOBA provided with a Secretary.
  • Annual Cross Country event originally a part of Athletics was declared a separate event.
  • Squash was given equal status with other games.
  • Basketball included in Cock House Cup Competition.

1967: - Average daily cost of Aitchison meal was between rupees two to three. 
Mandir was used for storage, it also provided excellent place for public examinations which were occasionally held.
1968: - K-1 examination was abolished.
1969: - Matric classes were abolished.          

  • Subjects were taught in subject room and boys moved from class to class during the periods.
  • Junior school was inaugurated on Feb-11th Bungalows No.3 & 4 were converted into boarding houses. Classes in the Junior School were held in the Aitchison Hall. These Bungalows had accommodation for 43 boys.
  • Classes were renamed in the Junior School as under:
  • K2 as K4
  • K1 as K3
  • K0 as K2
  • K1 was opened
  • Age limit was fixed for Junior School Admissions
  • K1 = 6 years and plus
  • K2 = 7 years and plus       
  • K3 = 8 years and plus
  • K4 = 9 years and plus
  • E1, E2 and M1 classes were held in L.J house.

1973: - A modern Physics laboratory was gifted by Syed Zulfiqar Ali Bokhari and Syed Iftikhar Ali Bokhari in memory of their late father, Major Syed Mubarak Ali Shah.

 
Copyright 2008 © Aitchisonian.com