Godrej, Tata Steel, State Bank Of India, and Britannia are some common Indian brands to grown in decades and made lives easier. But how many of us know the history of these brands? Before we take you to the history of these brands in detail, it is important for you to know that these are Indian brands that are keeping the country ahead in the world.
Undoubtedly, India is more than a developing country. Before reaching this state, it went through several vicissitudes. The country fought for independence and then struggled to maintain its dignity and economy. When the Britishers left India distraught, some Indian companies helped the country overcome the situation. This is very surprising to know that pre-independence Indian brands are still thriving. Let’s look at some of them.
Companies That Have Pre-1947 Roots: Discover the Achievements Of India
India has a rich history, and these pre-independence Indian brands share a part of it. These remarkable entities survived, evolved, and made the nation proud. Go through the list of the most successful and reputed companies in India.
State Bank Of India
Founded in 1806, State Bank Of India, formerly known as Bank Of Calcutta, is India’s most trusted finance institution. SBI is one of the pre-independence Indian brands. It has now transformed into India’s largest banking and financial institution as it expands its network to different parts of the country. From home loans to public provident funds and life insurance, SBI has a wide range of services to meet all the customer’s demands. The bank has maintained trust among its clients, which has made it come a long way.
Dabur
Founded by Dr. S K Burman, Dabur is among the popular brands in India, mainly producing ayurvedic products. With origins tracing back to 1884, today, it stands as the global leader in natural healthcare, personal care, skincare, home care, and food products. Dabur is known for producing authentic products at reasonable prices and continuing its legacy of blending traditional knowledge with modern research. It is one of the pre-independence Indian brands that are still thriving.
Tata
Established in 1868, Tata is one of the oldest companies in India. The company started its business with steel; over the years, it expanded into various brands, such as hospitality, automobiles, and more. Ratan Tata, the founder of Tata Group, burnt the midnight oil to reach the heights. His achievements are praiseworthy. Tata Steel is one of the pre-independence Indian brands that are still thriving, and all because of its founder. Ratan Tata success story inspires many aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.
BSE
Established in 1875 – The Bombay Stock Exchange – is the Indian Stock Exchange, located on Dalal Street in Mumbai. This is India’s first stock exchange company, founded by the cotton merchant Premchand Roychand. It is a proud matter for the country that the company is among the pre-independence Indian brands, which is also the oldest stock exchange in India and the tenth in the world. Despite being a 100-year-old company, the company is standing strongly in the industry with a market cap of trillions.
Godrej
Founded in 1897 by Ardeshir Godrej & Pirojsha Godrej, Godrej has grown from locks and safe manufacturing to home appliances, skincare, and home care products. Before stepping into the business, the founder was a lawyer by profession. When it did not work, he started a lock manufacturing business, which is today one of the most thriving, reputed, and oldest companies in India.
The Indian Hotels Company
Incorporated in 1902 by the founder of Tata Group, Mr. Jamsetji Tata, The Indian Hotels Company is the biggest hospitality company in the country as of now. The first hotel opened by the company was The Taj Palace in Mumbai in 1903. Since its inception, the company has been giving its guests world-class services. This company’s hotels’ hospitality, food, and amenities have always been praiseworthy. The Indian Hotels Company is one of the pre-independence Indian brands that are still making India proud worldwide.
Rooh Afza
Did you know your favorite summer drink is actually rooted before independence? Founded in 1907 by Hakeem Hafiz Abdul Majeed in 1907, Rooh Afza is the most refreshing drink to still beat the summer’s heat. Rooh Afza is made from natural ingredients, such as herbs, vegetables, and fruit extracts, and the drink is believed to be the instant and healthiest drink. Rooh Afza is one of the pre-independence Indian brands that people throughout the nation still love.
ITC Limited
ITC is the most renowned company in India as of now. The company was incorporated in 1910 under the name Imperial Tobacco Company. 1970 it was renamed Indian Tobacco Company, and then ITC in 1974. In the first six decades, the company manufactured cigarettes. Still, now it has diversified its business and is largely involved in manufacturing FMCG, hotels, stationery, information technology, agarbattis, and many more. Strongly standing among the pre-independence Indian brands, ITC has contributed largely to the country’s economy.
Birla Corporation
Incorporated by Mr. Madhav Prashad Birla in 1919 as Birla Jute Manufacturing Company Limited, Birla Corporation is one of the leading businesses in India. Formerly, the company solely focused on manufacturing jute products, but now it deals in multiple products, such as decorative fabrics and cement. Birla Corporation is one of the pre-independence Indian brands that are still thriving and making money.
Hindustan Construction Company
If there was a company that overtook construction projects in India, it was Hindustan Construction Company. Since independence, founded by Seth Walchand Hirachand in 1926, HCC has been involved in many projects, such as transportation, power, marine projects, oil and gas, pipelines, irrigation, and urban infrastructures. Despite being one of the pre-independence Indian brands, HCC is still thriving and contributing to the country’s financial growth.
Hindustan Unilever Limited
British Firm Unilever, Hindustan Vanaspati Manufacturing Company, and Lever Brothers India Limited merged to form Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) in 1956. The company initially created soap bars. After its popularity in the Indian market, it tried its hands at different products, such as tea, coffee, skincare, home care, etc. Hindustan Unilever Limited is one of the pre-independence Indian brands to deliver quality products and gear up employment.
More Growing Indian Brands To Look Out in Future!
These companies’ longevity isn’t because of their historic roots but also their adaptation, innovation, and resonance with changes in time. They have accepted the changes and shaped themselves according to them, making them stand strongly in the transformative world. However, the journey from pre-independence India to the modern era has not been without challenges. They have come a long way even after facing global competition, economic fluctuations, and policy changes. These pre-independence Indian brands are the pride of the country.
