The Fascinating History of Air Conditioning in India: From Royal Palaces to Everyday Life

The Evolution of Air Conditioning in India

In today's world, air conditioning (AC) has become essential for comfort, especially with rising temperatures and prolonged summers in urban areas.

However, many people are unaware of the origins of AC technology in India and the complexities involved in its installation.

The first notable installation of modern air conditioning in India took place at the renowned Rambagh Palace in Jaipur in 1936.

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Pic – Greaves India

This palace, which was once home to the Maharaja of Jaipur, marked a significant milestone in the introduction of modern cooling systems in India. Historical accounts indicate that Carrier, a prominent American company, was responsible for this installation, representing the first known use of electric air conditioning in the country. This development highlighted the palace's prestige and its quest for modern comfort in the traditionally hot Indian climate.

The installation at Rambagh Palace exemplified the early integration of Western technology into Indian royal residences, occurring decades before air conditioning became commonplace in homes or government buildings across the nation.

The broader availability and commercial adoption of air conditioning systems in India began much later, particularly in the years following independence, as the technology became more accessible and suitable for urban infrastructure and vehicles.

Automotive experts note that the first factory-fitted air-conditioned vehicle in India was the Maruti Suzuki 800 AC/TG variant, introduced in 1984, showcasing the gradual transition of AC technology from royal palaces to everyday consumer products.

AC in Indian Railways

The mid-1930s marked the debut of India's first air-conditioned passenger train service, a significant milestone in the history of Indian Railways. The 'Frontier Mail', which commenced in 1934, was the first train in undivided India to offer air conditioning. Although the coaches lacked modern air conditioning compressors, innovative ice slabs were utilized to cool the first-class compartments, primarily used by British officials before independence. This early initiative laid the foundation for modern air-conditioned train travel in India.

The first fully air-conditioned train service was launched later in 1956 with the 'Poorva Express', which operated between Howrah and Delhi. According to records from Indian Railways, this train featured entirely air-conditioned coaches, marking the beginning of widespread air conditioning in Indian railway passenger services. It paved the way for subsequent premium and superfast AC trains, including the Rajdhani Express, which was introduced in 1969.

The 1936 installation of air conditioning at Rambagh Palace remains a landmark event in the history of air conditioning in India, symbolizing the blend of tradition and modern engineering.