Timeless Titans: Brands that built India before Independence

Timeless Titans: As India marks over seven decades of independence, it’s a perfect moment to look back at the legacy of the brands that laid the foundation of the nation’s industrial and commercial landscape. These pioneering companies, established in the pre-independence era, didn’t just survive—they thrived, becoming symbols of India’s identity and resilience. Let’s take a journey through time to revisit some of the iconic brands that have played a crucial role in shaping India’s transformation from a colonised nation to a global powerhouse.

Tata Group – Founded in 1868: The Visionary’s Dream

The story of the Tata Group begins with a young Jamsetji Tata, who, with just Rs 21,000 and nine years of experience in his father’s trading firm, dared to dream big in British India. From setting up a cotton mill to establishing the Taj Mahal Hotel, India’s first hotel with electricity, Jamsetji was a man with a vision. Although he didn’t live to see all his dreams fulfilled, his lineage carried forward his aspirations, creating a steel plant, a hydroelectric power station, and the Indian Institute of Science. Today, the Tata Group is a global conglomerate with operations in over 100 countries and revenues exceeding $108 billion. The Tata legacy is etched in the very fabric of modern India, symbolising innovation, perseverance, and a commitment to nation-building.

Dabur – Founded in 1884: From a Village Clinic to a Global FMCG Giant

The roots of Dabur trace back to a small village clinic in West Bengal, where Dr. SK Burman, fondly known as ‘Daktur Burman,’ treated villagers with his Ayurvedic remedies. His reputation for effective cures spread far and wide, and the brand Dabur, derived from his name, was born. Over the years, Dabur has grown into India’s fourth-largest FMCG company, with revenues surpassing Rs 7,800 crore by 2014. Known for its extensive range of Ayurvedic and natural healthcare products, Dabur continues to be a household name, representing a blend of tradition and modernity in Indian consumer culture.

Godrej – Founded in 1897: Crafting a Legacy of Trust and Innovation

When Ardeshir Godrej left his legal career to venture into lock-making, he probably didn’t imagine that his name would one day be synonymous with trust and innovation in India. From crafting high-security safes to pioneering the production of toilet soap from vegetable oils, Godrej has been a trailblazer. Under the leadership of Pirojsha Godrej, the brand expanded into various sectors, including industrial engineering, real estate, and consumer products. Today, the Godrej Group stands as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit, with its products touching millions of lives across the globe.

Rooh Afza – Founded in 1907: The Unani Healer’s Gift to India

Rooh Afza, the quintessential summer drink, owes its origins to Hakeem Hafiz Abdul Majeed, a renowned Unani physician in Delhi. Formulated in 1907, this herbal concoction became a staple in Indian households, particularly during the scorching summer months. After Partition, Hamdard, the parent company, split into two branches, one in Karachi and the other in Delhi, but Rooh Afza’s legacy continued to flourish. Today, it remains an indispensable part of Indian culture, cherished across generations as a symbol of refreshment and nostalgia.

Vadilal – Founded in 1907: From Soda Fountain to Ice Cream Empire

Vadilal’s journey from a small soda fountain in Ahmedabad to becoming India’s second-largest ice cream brand is nothing short of remarkable. Established by Vadilal Gandhi, the brand introduced ice cream to India with hand-operated machines. Under the leadership of his son Ranchod Lal, Vadilal expanded its operations, setting up retail outlets across the country. Today, Vadilal is a beloved name in India, delighting millions with its wide range of ice creams and frozen desserts.

MTR – Founded in 1924: The Birthplace of Rava Idli

Mavalli Tiffin Rooms, or MTR, is more than just a restaurant—it’s an institution in Bengaluru. Founded by Yajnarayana Maiya and his brothers, MTR became famous for its delicious masala dosas and the invention of rava idli during World War II when rice was in short supply. Today, MTR is a brand synonymous with quality and tradition, with its packaged foods bringing the flavors of South India to kitchens around the world.

Parle G – Founded in 1929: The Biscuit That Conquered the World

No tea time in India is complete without a pack of Parle G biscuits. Established in 1929, Parle G started manufacturing biscuits in 1939, and post-independence, it positioned itself as a symbol of Indian pride. Over the decades, Parle G has become the world’s largest-selling biscuit brand, crossing the Rs 5,000 crore sales mark in 2013. Today, Parle G remains a beloved staple, representing comfort, nostalgia, and the enduring spirit of Indian entrepreneurship.

These brands are not just companies; they are integral to the story of India’s rise on the global stage. Their legacies remind us of the power of vision, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that continues to drive India forward.