Popular Indian Brands that Shaped India Post Independence

India’s journey post-independence has been significantly influenced by several iconic brands that have transformed various sectors and contributed to the nation’s growth. These brands exemplify how innovation, leadership, and vision can drive economic and social change, making a lasting impact on India’s development and cultural fabric. On Independence Day, here’s a look at some of these influential brands and their enduring impact.

Tata Group

Founded in 1868 in Mumbai by Jamshedji Tata, the Tata Group began as a textile company and has grown into one of India's largest and most diversified conglomerates. Jamshedji Tata’s vision laid the groundwork for the group's future, and his pioneering spirit set the stage for industrial development in India. Under the leadership of Ratan Tata from 1991 to 2012, the Tata Group expanded its global footprint and diversified into industries including steel, automotive, and information technology. The group is now chaired by Natarajan Chandrasekaran and remains publicly traded, with significant shares held by Tata Trusts. The Tata Group includes influential sub-brands such as Tata Steel, Tata Motors, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). The group's contributions have been crucial in catalysing industrialisation and infrastructure development in India, along with a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility, shaping both the economy and society. As the largest private sector employer in the country, with 935,000+ employees, these steps taken by the Tata group continue to create a significant impact on employee welfare in the country.

Maruti Suzuki

Established in 1981 in New Delhi as a joint venture between Suzuki Motor Corporation and the Indian government, Maruti Suzuki has profoundly transformed the Indian automotive landscape. The company was created to address the lack of affordable and reliable cars in India and quickly became synonymous with car ownership for the Indian middle class. Maruti Suzuki's introduction of models like the Alto, Swift, and Dzire made personal vehicles accessible to millions. The company’s first model, the Suzuki-Maruti 800, was launched in the Indian market in October 1983, and was known as the People’s Car. This model was priced at only ₹99,800, which made it the most affordable car in the country. Under the current management of Shashank Srivastava and Hisashi Takeuchi, Maruti Suzuki is not family-owned but continues to be a major player in the industry. The company's success has spurred infrastructure development and job creation, establishing it as a key driver of India's automotive sector and contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth.

Amul

Founded in 1946 in Anand, Gujarat, by Tribhuvandas Kishibhai Patel, Amul has been a transformative force in India’s dairy industry. Central to its success was Dr. Verghese Kurien, who joined the cooperative in the early 1950s and played a pivotal role in its growth. Often referred to as the architect of the White Revolution, Dr. Kurien's vision and leadership helped expand Amul from a small cooperative into a major dairy enterprise, revolutionising dairy production and distribution in India. Managed by the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) with Jayen Mehta as Chairman, Amul is owned collectively by over 3.6 million dairy farmers. It boasts a range of popular sub-brands, including Amul Butter, Amul Milk, and Amul Cheese. Dr. Kurien’s contributions have not only empowered farmers but also significantly boosted rural development and food security, making Amul a cornerstone of India's dairy sector. Not to forget the iconic Amul girl saying "Utterly Butterly Delicious, Amul" and the scores of relevant, heart-touching, funny and poignant ads throughout the ages.

Parle-G

Launched in 1929 in Mumbai by the Chauhan family, Parle-G biscuits quickly became a staple in Indian households due to their affordability and taste. The company is still family-owned, with Mayank Shah as the Senior Category Head. Parle Products also includes other sub-brands such as Parle Marie and Hide & Seek biscuits. Parle-G's success has influenced snack consumption patterns across India and established itself as a cultural icon. The biscuit used to be called Parle Gluco till the early 80s. Later, it was renamed as Parle-G to add some cool factor, and with time people started believing that Parle-G means genius. A brand that has been running successfully for more than 85 years, there has been no change in taste of the biscuit and its packaging too. The same white and yellow wrapping with the picture of a cute little girl carrying mildly-sweet crunchy biscuits has been there ever since.

Nirma

Founded in 1969 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, by Karsanbhai Patel, Nirma disrupted the detergent market with its cost-effective products. The company is led by Hiren Patel, Karsanbhai Patel’s son, and remains a family-owned business. Nirma’s sub-brands include Nirma Washing Powder and Nirma Soap. "Doodh Si Safedi, Nirma Se Aayi... Washing Powder Nirma!" As this jingle is heard, we are all transported back in time. The ad that started running in the early-1980s, is a fine example of advertisement done right and is brand recall at its finest. Its innovative approach made quality cleaning products more accessible, driving competition and innovation in the market.

Kirloskar Group

Established in 1888 in Kirloskarwadi, Karnataka, by Laxmanrao Kirloskar, the Kirloskar Group is a major player in engineering and industrial manufacturing. In January 1910, Laxmanrao Kirloskar was given 32 acres of barren land near Sangli by the Raja of Aundh to establish his factory after being displaced from Belgaum. With the help of 25 workers and their families, he transformed the land into Kirloskarwadi, a thriving industrial village. This successful venture fulfilled Laxmanrao’s vision of building an industry and community, showcasing his belief in human potential and resilience. The current Chairman, Atul Kirloskar, is part of the Kirloskar family, which continues to own and manage the conglomerate. The group’s sub-brands include Kirloskar Brothers Limited and Kirloskar Oil Engines. Kirloskar's contributions have been vital to India's infrastructure development and industrial growth.

Dabur

Founded in 1884 in Kolkata, West Bengal, by Dr. S. K. Burman, Dabur is a leading producer of Ayurvedic and natural products. The company is managed by Mohit Burman, a member of the Burman family, and remains family-owned. Sub-brands include Dabur Chyawanprash, Dabur Honey, and Dabur Amla. Dabur’s focus on Ayurveda has promoted traditional wellness practices and expanded the market for herbal products. It is the fourth-largest FMCG company in India, with revenues of over $1.1 billion and a market capitalization of $4 billion.

Vadilal

Founded in 1926 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, by Vadilal Gandhi, Vadilal is a prominent ice cream and frozen dessert brand. Vadilal actually started as a small soda shop in 1907. The shop then quickly gained popularity, prompting the founder to experiment with mixing soda and ice cream, creating refreshing soda pops that became a hit across the state. In 1926, Vadilal opened its first dedicated ice cream outlet. The company remains family-owned, with Ramesh K. Vadilal as the Managing Director. Sub-brands include Vadilal Ice Cream and Vadilal Frozen Desserts. Vadilal has played a significant role in popularising ice cream in India, contributing to the growth of the frozen dessert industry. Brand Vadilal has a 16% market share in the Indian organised market of Rs. 200 billion.

Air India

Established as Tata Airlines in 1932, Air India became the national carrier after nationalisation in 1953. It began with flights between Karachi and Mumbai, quickly expanding to Chennai, and earned a profit of Rs. 60,000 in its first year by carrying mail and passengers. During World War II, it transported soldiers and became a public company on July 29, 1946. In 1948, the government acquired a 49% stake and the airline made its first international flight to London Heathrow. The Air Corporations Act of 1953 nationalised Air India, creating separate domestic and international routes. By 1962, Air India became the world’s first all-jet airline, adding major international destinations like New York, Paris, and Tokyo. Following privatisation in 2022, it is now owned by the Tata Group, led by CEO Campbell Wilson, and includes sub-brands like Air India Express and Air India Regional, continuing its crucial role in connecting India globally.

Godrej Group

Founded in 1897 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, by Ardeshir Godrej and Pirojsha Burjorji Godrej, the Godrej Group is a diversified conglomerate with interests in consumer goods, real estate, and security solutions. Godrej earned national trust by evolving from Swadeshi locks to pioneering products such as the steel almirah, which has remained a staple in Indian households for decades. Additionally, the company made strides with innovations like the first Indian-made refrigerator and contributions to space technology, solidifying its role in India's industrial and consumer sectors. Nadir Godrej, a member of the Godrej family, currently serves as Chairman. Godrej remains a family-owned business with sub-brands like Godrej Consumer Products and Godrej Appliances. Its innovations have significantly contributed to India's economic development across various sectors.

Mahindra & Mahindra

Founded in 1945 in Ludhiana, Punjab, by the Mahindra brothers, Mahindra & Mahindra began with military vehicles and expanded into automotive, agribusiness, and IT. The company is chaired by Anand Mahindra, a prominent member of the Mahindra family. It is publicly traded but retains close ties to the family. Sub-brands include Mahindra Tractors and Mahindra Electric. Mahindra & Mahindra’s innovations in various sectors have driven growth and development in India. Mahindra was skeptical of economic reforms that opened up the Indian economy and put it on a fast track. He was one of the members of the so-called Bombay Club which opposed liberalisation of the economy. But he later changed his views. In a 2010 interview, he explained that the Bombay Club was not an organised group but rather a meeting of individuals concerned about the government's rapid economic opening. They advocated for a slower pace, emphasising that a country closed for 30-40 years couldn't abruptly open up. Their submission was to allow more time for transition.

Rooh Afza

Founded in 1907 in Delhi by Hakeem Hafiz Abdul Majeed, Rooh Afza is a traditional herbal drink known for its unique flavour. He created Rooh Afza in a building in Old Delhi’s Lal Kuan Bazar, aiming to provide relief from summer ailments like dehydration and heat stroke with a refreshing herbal drink. Born from a desire to offer an alternative to British beverages, Rooh Afza quickly gained popularity for its taste and aroma. Despite the challenges of the 1947 partition, which split the Hamdard company into two entities, Rooh Afza continued to thrive and became a leading Unani medicine manufacturer, now available in over 25 countries. The brand remains family-owned, with management continuing within the Majeed family. Its flagship product is primarily focused on traditional and modern beverages. Rooh Afza has become a cultural staple in India, widely used in various traditional drinks and beverages.