Mysore Sandal Soap: How World War 1 gave India its Fragrant Herbal Soap
India’s most famous and ancient herbal soap, Mysore Sandal Soap, is part of a unique and interesting story. This soap is not only known for its fragrance, but its origin is also linked to the historical and cultural heritage of India. The story of its inception is directly linked to the First World War, when the large reserves of sandalwood in India were not being used, which led to the creation of this soap.
Origin of Mysore Sandal Soap
In the early 20th century, the state of Mysore was one of the largest sandalwood producers in India and exported it to Europe on a large scale. However, due to the First World War, the export of sandalwood was disrupted and large reserves of sandalwood accumulated in Mysore. To make proper use of these reserves, the King of Mysore, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, established the ‘Government Soap Factory’ in Bangalore in 1916 with the aim of manufacturing soap using sandalwood oil. Simultaneously, a sandalwood oil distillation factory was also set up in Mysore in 1916.
Soap Manufacturing Process
To improve the manufacturing process of this soap, the Diwan of Mysore, Shri Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, called experts from Bombay (now Mumbai) and started soap making experiments at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). During this time a young chemist, Shoshale Garalapuri Shastri, was sent to England, where he learnt the techniques of soap making. He is also known as ‘Soap Shastri’. Shastri then standardised the process of incorporating sandalwood oil into soap, and the Government Soap Factory was established in Bangalore.
Innovative Packaging and Marketing Strategy
The packaging of Mysore Sandal Soap also got a special identity. Shastri gave it a special shape, which was different from the common rectangular soaps of the time. Also, its packaging was designed like a jewellery case, with floral prints and colours. Its logo, ‘Sharba’ (a mythical creature) was chosen as the identity of the soap, symbolizing the culture and tradition of the state.
Fame and Expansion
Mysore Sandal Soap soon gained popularity in different parts of India and demand for it started reaching foreign households. In 1980, the Government of Karnataka merged these factories to form ‘Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited’ (KSDL). Though the company faced some difficulties during the 1990s, the rehabilitation package given by BIFR saved the company and established it back to profit.
100% Pure Sandalwood and Sustained Growth
Even today, Mysore Sandal Soap is famous all over the world for its 100% pure sandalwood oil. It is also enriched with other natural oils like patchouli, vetiver, orange, geranium and palm rose. The popularity of this soap is such that even NRIs of India prefer to buy it. In 2006, it also received the ‘Geographical Indication’ (GI) tag, making it an official product of this soap.
Future Plans
Mysore Sandal Soap has not only become a part of India’s cultural heritage, but it is also one of the few government undertakings in Karnataka that is consistently profitable. The Karnataka government is now running the ‘Grow More Sandalwood’ program, under which farmers are given sandalwood saplings at a low cost and a buy-back guarantee is also offered.
The story of Mysore Sandal Soap is not only an inspiration for the Indian public sector, but it is also an important example for the FMCG sector. Its future direction looks as fragrant and flavorful as its history.
