A Kannada jewel
The Mysore Sandal Soap is a unique blend of culture, tradition, and a rich history spanning over a century. Its distinct fragrance and unforgettable packaging, evocative of its Kannada roots, ensure that it continues to be a lasting cultural icon.
Maharaja & Soap Shastry's jugalbandi
In 1916, the halt of sandalwood export caused by World War 1 and the consequent excess of it led the Maharaja of Mysore, Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV, to set up the first factory for sandalwood oil extraction in Mysore.
Inspired by a rare set of sandalwood oil soaps that were gifted to the Maharaja, he decided to produce similar ones but for the masses. After thorough research at the Indian Institute of Sciences, Bombay, a young chemist Sosale Garalapuri Shastry was sent to England for further studies.
With his sandalwood oil soap manufacturing process becoming popular, Shastry affectionately came to be known as ‘Soap Shastry’. The soap factory was set up in Bangalore. With its very launch, the soap became an instant success throughout the country.
One of the differentiating factors of this soap is its distinct packaging, also attributed to ‘Soap Shastry’. In a market filled with rectangular soap bars, the Mysore Sandal Soap stood out in its oval shape like a gemstone packed in glossy, colourful packaging.
A rich legacy
The package is reminiscent of a jewellery box with rich forest green hues, and accents of yellow and red (which happen to be colours of the Karnataka flag).
The logo, Sharaba, a mythical creature who is part elephant and part lion, is an ode to Karnataka. The message ‘Srigandhada Tavarininda’ (that translates to ‘from the maternal home of sandalwood’) was printed on every Mysore Sandal Soapbox.
Mysore Sandal’s advertising campaign was also innovative and ahead of its time. From neon-coloured billboards to matchboxes, it was everywhere. Nobody could miss it. Even royals from other nations became ardent fans!
The company diversified into other products like talcum powder, soaps, incense sticks, but nothing comes close to its original creation the Mysore Sandal Soap, the only soap in the world made from 100% sandalwood oil.
Over a century later, it has stood the test of time and can be found as a staple in most grandmothers’ and grandfathers' bathrooms.
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