Mysore Sandal Soap, a product that has become a symbol of Indian heritage, continues to captivate hearts even after more than a century. Known for its unique fragrance, which blends sweet, warm, and woody notes, the soap is deeply tied to the nation’s history. The story of this beloved product traces its roots back to the early 20th century and is a testament to innovation and cultural pride. The origin of Mysore Sandal Soap can be traced back to May 1916, when the Maharaja of Mysore, Krishna Raja Wodiyar IV, and the then Diwan, Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, set up the Government Sandalwood Oil Factory in Mysore. This initiative was born out of necessity, as the World War I disrupted the export of sandalwood, leading to a surplus of the fragrant wood. The factory’s main goal was to utilise the excess sandalwood for oil extraction, as per a report by The Better India. Two years after the factory’s establishment, the Maharaja was presented with a set of soap bars made from sandalwood oil, which inspired him to think of producing similar soaps for the masses. This idea was quickly taken up by the visionary Diwan Visvesvaraya, who, with his focus on industrial growth, initiated the development of soap-making experiments at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Visvesvaraya, a man known for his meticulousness, enlisted the help of technical experts from Bombay and also identified a talented chemist, Sosale Garalapuri Shastry, to refine the soap-making process. After gaining valuable knowledge in England, Shastry returned to Mysore and played a pivotal role in creating the first batch of Mysore Sandal Soap. The soap’s distinctiveness lay in the inclusion of pure sandalwood oil, which became its hallmark. The soap was then produced at a factory established near K.R. Circle in Bengaluru, with another oil extraction unit set up in Mysore to ensure a steady supply of sandalwood oil. The soap quickly became a favourite, not just in the Mysore kingdom, but across the country. Shastry, however, didn’t stop there. He went on to design the soap’s packaging in a culturally significant way, using a jewellery case-like box with floral prints. The packaging featured a unique logo—a mythical creature named Sharaba, representing courage and wisdom, symbolising the rich heritage of the state. The soap’s marketing strategy was as innovative as its design. It included neon billboards, promotional material on tram tickets, and even a camel procession in Karachi to advertise the soap. This clever campaign led to a surge in demand, both domestically and internationally. In fact, even foreign royal families placed orders for the soap. In 1980, the soap-making operation merged with the oil extraction factories, forming Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL). Despite facing challenges in the 1990s, including fierce competition and declining demand, KSDL managed to bounce back. A strategic rehabilitation plan, combined with strong management, allowed the company to recover and grow. By 2003, KSDL had repaid its debts and was back on track, expanding its product line to include soaps, incense sticks, essential oils, and more. Mysore Sandal Soap remains KSDL's flagship product, made from 100% pure sandalwood oil and other natural essential oils like patchouli, vetiver, and geranium. In 2006, it was awarded a Geographical Indicator (GI) tag, solidifying its status as a unique and protected product. The soap continues to enjoy immense brand loyalty and has become a popular item among Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). In 2015-16, KSDL recorded its highest turnover, further solidifying its position as one of Karnataka’s few profitable public sector enterprises. The soap’s influence extends beyond business, as Karnataka’s film industry is even known as "Sandalwood" in tribute to the state’s iconic product. Today, despite the declining availability of sandalwood, Mysore Sandal Soap remains a favourite in the market. KSDL’s “Grow More Sandalwood” initiative, which provides farmers with affordable saplings and a buy-back guarantee, helps ensure a sustainable supply of sandalwood for the future. Mysore Sandal Soap’s story is not just about a product, but a symbol of ingenuity, tradition, and resilience—an inspiration for Indian industries and the FMCG sector as a whole. As it continues to thrive, the legacy of Mysore Sandal Soap remains fragrant, just as it has for over a century.