Time Machine

Jamuna Raju and Padmanabhan Ramachandran outline a piece of the rich storyline of Ooty’s colonial past that continues to influence lives today.

Ootacamund, popularly referred to as ‘Ooty,’ emerged as a favoured summer escape for British officers and their families. In their quest for places to relax and hold social events, the wealthy of that era created one of India’s first outdoor sports venues. In 1869, the Nilgiris Archery Club was established by James Wilkinson Breeks (5 March 1830 – 7 June 1872), who served as the first Commissioner of the Nilgiris District. Breeks, recognised for his energetic and forward-thinking attitude, actively promoted both local governance and leisure activities in the area.

During his leadership, Ootacamund was named the summer capital for the Madras Presidency. The Nilgiris Archery  Club Started by focusing on classic English sports, but later included badminton and croquet, which led to the creation of the ABC Club (archery, badminton, croquet). This change reflected the shifting recreational interests of the colonial upper class and contributed to a vibrant cultural heritage.

Legacy Of Leisure

Located on rolling downs past Finger Post, the Ootacamund Gymkhana Club proudly showcases the spirit of community and recreation from the colonial times. Its story began in 1882 at Hobart Park, where it focused on the elegant sports of Polo and Horse Racing. A crucial moment in its development occurred in 1892 when it merged with the ABC Club, marking its transition into a comprehensive social and sporting venue while keeping the reputable name ‘Gymkhana’.

This merger led to the creation of one of India’s most diverse recreational spots. The Club’s broad and flat areas evolved into a lively centre for various activities, including football, golf, cricket, tennis, badminton and boating — showcasing a unique blend of sportsmanship and grace, all set against the bracing and refreshing mountain air.

The idea to centralise these activities can be credited to Mr Grigg, who became Assistant Commissioner in 1872 and pushed for the unification of recreational options under one roof. His efforts built the foundation for the collaborative spirit that characterises the Club today.

Previously, in 1869, the pioneering and popular Mr Breeks, had already begun to shape the area’s cultural landscape. By starting the Hunt Club, he formalised horse riding activities and built his legacy as a passionate supporter of leisure pursuits.

In the present day, the Ootacamund Gymkhana Club continues to serve as a historic site and an active institution that connects colonial history with lasting traditions — where memories of past horse rides and croquet games are still felt in the mountain air.

Maintaining Heritage

In 1871, Mr Breeks, while serving as the Commissioner for the Nilgiris District, received a significant assignment from the Madras Government. This request was made by the trustees of the Indian Museum in Calcutta, who asked Mr Breeks to embark on an extensive ethnographic project. Similar to his counterparts in the Madras Presidency, he was to create a comprehensive collection of tribal artefacts highlighting the daily lives, tools, traditions and ancient heritage of the local peoples.

As he worked in the field, Mr Breeks documented and collected a variety of items, including weapons, jewellery, clothing, household items, agricultural tools, and funerary artefacts linked to ancient burial sites within the Nilgiri mountains. His primary focus rested on some of the main tribal groups in the area — the Todas, Kotas, Kurumbas and Irulas — whose distinct ways of life and cultural items had seldom been explored in such detail.

Many of the collected pieces, including artefacts from megalithic graves, are now part of a significant prehistoric collection displayed at the British Museum, highlighting the lasting impact of Mr Breeks’ contributions.

Tragically, Mr Breeks fell ill during his travels and passed away in 1872. However, his thorough research was preserved in the book An Account of the Primitive Tribes and Monuments in the Nilgiris, which was published posthumously in 1873. Edited by his wife, Susan Breeks, this important volume ensured that his legacy would continue to inspire future historians and anthropologists.

A Colonial Landmark

After the passing of Mr Breeks, in 1872, a committee was established to honour his contributions. Instead of opting for a statue or monument, the community aimed to create a meaningful and lasting remembrance: a school for the children of underprivileged Europeans and Eurasians who struggled to access quality education abroad. With broad community support, the decision was made to make the school inclusive, allowing students of all backgrounds — an exceptional move for that era.

On May 16, 1873, the foundation stone for the school was laid in a ceremony led by Hon JD Sim, CSI, and was attended by Lord Hobart, the Governor of Madras at the time. In less than a year, the school building was completed and officially opened in June 1874.

The design of the school was a work of art, crafted by District Engineer Morant and Robert Chisholm, the architects behind several notable colonial buildings in Ooty, including those of the Lawrence School.

Chisholm was an early innovator in Indo-Saracenic architecture, while Morant played a crucial role in developing the renowned Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. He also contributed to many other architectural projects throughout the hill station.

The school’s European design and unique clock tower made it a notable landmark, establishing it as one of Tamil Nadu’s oldest educational buildings. Initially built with red stones and resembling a castle, it has been part of the Nilgiris District Court complex since 1887. Historical documents show that the current court hall was formerly the chapel of Breeks School, and the impressive canopy over the judge’s dais features a style similar to that of India’s high courts, reflecting a deep architectural and institutional heritage.

A Significant Swap

In 1885, the Madras Government needed a proper site for a subordinate judge's courthouse in Ootacamund. Showing a spirit of community, the trustees of Breeks Memorial School suggested a swap: they would give up their original building, in exchange for a new school facility on Wenlock Road, just below the Army Headquarters at the time.

This beneficial deal not only solved the government's space issue but also created a better learning environment for the school. By 1886, Breeks School successfully moved to its new location, continuing its goal of providing inclusive education in an upgraded facility.

Elegant Architecture

The Breeks Memorial School, a two-storey building, exemplifies traditional British colonial architecture, perfectly blending symmetry, skilled craftsmanship and a subtle sense of grandeur. One of its most unique features is the cloister vault roof, which adds visual appeal and enhances the building’s structural quality.

Above the numerous rectangular doors and windows, ornate arched stonework provides delicate accents, and gable embellishments grace the central front, creating a striking outline against the Nilgiris backdrop. Inside, a slender wooden staircase climbs elegantly — simple yet delightful — serving as a memorial to the building's practical origins while incorporating timeless details.

Together, these elements transform the structure from mere functionality into a piece of historical artistry, embodying not just the beauty of its era but also the vision of establishing a lasting civic institution.

Of Heritage And Advancement

When Breeks Memorial School celebrated its hundredth anniversary in 1975, it embarked on a new era of educational commitment by founding the Breeks All India Higher Secondary School, which follows the CBSE curriculum. This step broadened the availability of contemporary, nationally-recognised education while remaining true to the school’s original goals of inclusivity and high academic standards.

Bandwagon 150

On January 11 and 12, 2025, the Nilgiris buzzed with the energy of connection and memory as alumni from around the world came together to honour the grand occasion. This event — Bandwagon 150 — celebrated two significant anniversaries: the 150th of Breeks Memorial School and the 50th of Breeks All India Higher Secondary School. These important milestones highlighted how vital the schools have been in influencing countless generations of students and leaders.

Breeks, from its early commitment to inclusive education to its transformation into a contemporary academic centre, represents more than just a learning institution — it embodies a vibrant legacy of history, growth, and community pride. The strong presence of alumni from around the world at Bandwagon 150 showcased the profound impact these schools have had on countless lives, with their influence resonating well beyond the Nilgiris.

Connecting Continents

Among the unforgettable highlights of Bandwagon 150, one moment shone brightly as a bridge between the past and the present — the arrival of descendants of James Wilkinson Breeks from Britain to partake in the festivities (see Inside43 Spring 2025 issue). Their attendance emphasised the lasting bond between the Nilgiris and the family whose name and vision played a crucial role in shaping its identity over 150 years ago.

The reunion of different generations was more than just a ritual, it had deep significance. It reaffirmed that Breeks Memorial School represents more than just a physical space and academic curriculum — it embodies a shared heritage with the district that has been passed down through time, distance and intention.

Creating Tomorrow

“It takes a village to raise a child”  —  and similarly, a dedicated community is essential for advancing a school. This age-old belief guides the Breeks School Alumni as they undertake a mission to revitalise their beloved school into a lively establishment suited for today’s learners.

Convinced that genuine educational progress is founded on strong community ties and collective effort, the alumni are determined to elevate Breeks — enriching it with contemporary teaching methods, inclusive values and a refreshed cultural identity that respects its past while looking toward the future.

What started as a tribute to a visionary Commissioner has blossomed into a lasting guide for learning. With its alumni stepping up as champions of progress, Breeks is ready to embark on a new chapter, where community, heritage and progress merge seamlessly.

Reviving A Sporting Legacy

Once, the Nilgiris throbbed with the energy of sports — polo riders charging over vast fields, croquet balls moving through hoops, archery arrows cutting through the crisp mountain air, and boats sailing smoothly on Ooty Lake. From badminton and tennis to cricket and football, these sports were more than just fun activities, they formed the essence of community bonds, helped build character and facilitated cultural dialogue.

Currently, the Breeks Alumni Committee, along with enthusiastic locals, urges the district authorities to rekindle and revive these cherished traditions.

The objective is straightforward: to reclaim neglected play areas, bring back inter-school competitions, and restore the excitement of games — from croquet to cricket.

However, this initiative goes beyond mere reminiscence. It aims to involve children and families, promoting interaction, teamwork and quality time spent together. By integrating both traditional and contemporary sports within the district, it is hoped to establish lively environments where health and friendship intertwine, and each game is a tribute to the spirit of the community.