Today, there is a huge hype around the made-in-India products. This initiated me to research and write about Famous Indian Brands
We are surrounded by numerous brands mostly dominated from all over the world. But as I was researching about Indian brands – I was pleased to know that there are several Indian brands that are dominating the world through their products and services.
Somebody may question the significance of Indian brands in the Western-dominated modern world. It would be good to enlighten them with the names of Indian brands that they thought were foreign. There exists a collection of brand goods that we pass off as imported. Actually, they are hiding amazing Indian stories of ambition and resilience.
Truly Made in India: Origin of Famous Indian Brands
Indian companies had appeared even during British rule. Prominent among these are Tata Group (1868), Dabur (1884), Godrej (1897), Vadilal (1907), and Parle G (1929). The oldest joint stock bank was Allahabad Bank, established in 1865.
Initiative pertaining to Indian brands was taken after independence from 1952. For instance, Jawaharlal Nehru was concerned about Indian women using foreign cosmetics. So on his instruction, JRD Tata and Simone Tata created Lakme.
The Right Mindset
Changing the attitude towards creating something new is essential for Indian brands to grow. In the words of JRD Tata, “Never start with diffidence, always start with confidence.” Success stories are made only when someone decides to change the course of his or her life.
Overcoming social stigma can take you a long way to achieve your goals. A persistent attitude is essential in getting a position as an Indian brand among international brands.
Some of the following famous Indian brands were originally foreign and now have Indian owners. Others were created in India but flaunted European names. They strive to produce famous products in India.
Here is a list of famous Indian brands that live up to the international standard.
| 1. Royal Enfield | 11. Café Coffee Day | 21. Amul |
| 2. Van Heusen India | 12. Micromax | 22. Airtel |
| 3. Allen Solly | 13. Da Milano | 23. Boat |
| 4. Old Monk | 14. Jaguar | 24. Lenskart |
| 5. Peter England | 15. Amrut Single Malt | 25. Ola Electric |
| 6. Flying Machine | 16. Hidesign | 26. Jio |
| 7. Lakme | 17. Munich Polo | 27. Nykaa |
| 8. Masala Monk | 18. La Opala | 28. Safari Bags |
| 9. Monte Carlo | 19. Franco Leone | 29. Lavie World |
| 10. Louis Philippe | 20. East India Company | 30. Mokobara |
1. Royal Enfield
Originally a British company, this brand was established in 1893. The old Royal Enfield bikes were produced under the Enfield Cycle Company, as it was called then. Eicher Motors, an Indian motorcycle company founded in 1948, bought it in 1994. The name was also changed to Royal Enfield India. The characteristic thumping engine sounds and high-capacity engines of these bikes made in India enthrall our ears.
Now, Royal Enfield has become one of the most famous Indian brands.
2. Van Heusen India
Van Heusen is a clothing brand under PVH Corp., formerly called the Phillips Van Heusen Corporation. Founded in 1889, PVH was named after Dutch immigrant John Manning Van Heusen. Van Heusen India, the Indian section of the brand, is owned by Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited. The products of Van Heusen India are made in India. ABFRL is India’s first billion-dollar fashion powerhouse.
3. Allen Solly
Allen Solly was created in 1744 by William Holin and Company Limited. However, the apparel brand came into Indian hands in the late 20th century. It was bought by Madura Garments in 1993. Soon, Aditya Birla Group acquired the ownership rights in 2001 and turned it into a famous Indian brand. Designed mainly for men, Allen Solly shirts have a popular fan base in India and abroad. Living in the digital world, we can easily order snazzy clothes from the Allen Solly online store.
4. Old Monk
Often mistaken for a foreign brand, Old Monk Rum is a true champion among famous Indian brands. This dark rum, first launched in 1954 by Mohan Meakin Limited in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, is a testament to the success of Indian-made products on the world stage. Despite its lack of advertising, Old Monk has reigned supreme as the biggest Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) brand for many years.
In fact, by 2013, it had even secured the title of the world’s largest-selling black rum company. While it might not be a household name everywhere, Old Monk is a made-in-India product that has found a loyal following in countries like Russia, Japan, the USA, Estonia, and the UK, proving its global appeal.
5. Peter England
Peter England shirts bring along the smell of cinnamon tea and lace doilies. However, this is also among the famous Indian brands owned and operated by Madura Fashion and Lifestyle, a subsidiary of the Aditya Birla Group. Founded in 1997, Peter England is one of the largest menswear brands in India. You can give an excellent interview if you wear a Peter England T-shirt.
So, the next time you browse through clothing brands in India, remember that familiar names might have surprising origins.
6. Flying Machine
Despite having an Italian designer named Chicco, Flying Machine is a famous Indian brand. It was developed in 1980 by Arvind Lifestyle Brand Limited. It holds the distinction of being the first indigenous denim brand of India. It shines among the coolest youth apparel brands selling denim clothes made in India.
7. Lakme
While the posh French name “Lakme” might trick some, it’s actually a hidden gem among Indian brands. This cosmetics company, named after the French opera Lakme (itself derived from the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi), is a prime example of successful made-in-India products on the global stage. Lakme started its journey as a subsidiary of Tata Oil Mills (Tomco), part of the Tata Group. Today, it’s owned by Hindustan Unilever and operated by CEO Pushkaraj Shenai.
8. Masala Monk
Masala Monk is a famous Indian brand launched in 2018 by Shashank Aggarwal, a blogger and businessman. His company offers lip-smacking food ingredients that have won many hearts. According to the Masala Monk website, they deliver “sauces, pickles, fruits, grains, dips, mixes, spices and a lot more.” Masala Monk founder had also trended on social media earlier this year for his witty reply to a communal question.
9. Monte Carlo
Named after the famous Alps destination, Monte Carlo Fashion Limited is a leading Indian clothing brand for men and women. It was established in 1984 by Oswal Woolen Mills Limited. Nahar Group, based in Ludhiana, Punjab, is its parent company.
10. Louis Philippe
Named after the French monarch Louis Philippe (1830-1848), the name brings a pseudo feeling of France to us. It is a famous Indian brand of men’s clothes started in 1989 by Madura Fashion and Lifestyle. The luxury apparel made in India is craved by many people.
11. Café Coffee Day
Every college student is familiar with the homely ambiance offered by CCD restaurants. Café Coffee Day is an Indian coffee chain owned by Amalgamated Bean Coffee Trading Company, based in Chikmagalur. The first CCD café was set up in 1996 in Bangalore. At present, the famous Indian brand has spread overseas to places like Vienna, Prague, Karachi and Dubai. It currently, owns plantations, grows coffee, and makes coffee machines and furniture for its outlets.
12. Micromax
In the world of gadgets, Indian brands are making their mark, and Micromax is a prime example. Established in 2000, this Gurgaon-based company started its journey as an IT software company before venturing into consumer electronics. Micromax quickly rose to become a household name in India and even achieved international recognition.
Notably, in 2014, it surpassed South Korea’s Samsung in the number of phones shipped in a single quarter, solidifying its position as a major player. Micromax’s success story is a testament to the growing strength of made-in-India brands across the globe. Several celebrities, including Akshay Kumar, Twinkle Khanna, and even Hugh Jackman, have been brand ambassadors for this leading Indian brand.
13. Da Milano
Several customers are dazzled by the Italian flavor of this brand. But Indians would be delighted to hear that it is an Indian brand. Sahil Malik spearheaded the growth of Da Milano after taking over his father’s business in 2000. It was originally launched in 1989 as a leather goods exporter. Da Milano manufactures top-notch leather goods and home décor made in India.
14. Jaguar
Jaguar is the luxury vehicle brand of the British multinational car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover. It was originally founded as the Swallow Sidecar Company in 1922. In 2008, Ford sold both Jaguar Cars and Land Rover to Tata Motors, the two brand names merging to form Jaguar Land Rover in 2013. Indian-owned Jaguar has produced vehicles for the British Prime Minister as well as Royal Family.
15. Amrut Single Malt
Amrut Single Malt is an Indian liquor brand that gained international renown within a few years of its rise. It was credited as the world’s third-best single malt which is made in India. It hides a fascinating story of the growth of a small liquor business founded in 1948. Neelakanta Rao Jagdale ambitiously transformed it into a globally famed whisky company by 2009. Thus, it proudly stands on the Indian brands list. The liquor is distilled and brewed at the Amrut distillery in Bangalore.
16. Hidesign
Hidesign is a global leather goods manufacturer and famous Indian brand based in Pondicherry. Dilip Kapur founded it in 1978, with the first store opening in 1990. Its fine leather products and accessories are made from material acquired from Tamil Nadu’s tanneries.
17. Munich Polo
Most people would be deceived into believing Munich Polo is a German brand. It is an Indian brand specializing in kids’ apparel. Its parent company is “Catmoss Retail Private Limited”, a project led by Ashwin Chawla and Sudipt Ghosh
18. La Opala
Adding the ‘La’ brings a feeling of France, yet La Opala is again an Indian brand. It specializes in manufacturing and selling high-quality cutlery and tableware made in India. Sushil Jhunjhunwala created this company in 1988.
19. Franco Leone
While pronouncing the name you inevitably harbor an Italian accent. Yet Franco Leone is an Indian creation specializing in formal footwear for men. Founded in 1989, it is led by Vishal Bhambri. He was initially a footwear technologist and later matured into a shoe perfectionist with his brothers Vikram and Vikrant.
20. East India Company
Almost all Indians would wince at the sound of this name. The British East India Company was once an imperialistic trading company that ruled over almost half of the globe. Now it is a high-end luxury goods provider owned by none other than an Indian, Sanjiv Mehta. Who’s laughing now, right?
The next time you venture outside for shopping, keep in mind these famous Indian brands. Let the variegated products made in India capture your senses.
21. Amul
Amul is one of the most popular Indian brands, with delicious milk product offerings. It is a name synonymous with breakfast tables across India. It’s not just a brand, it’s the world’s largest dairy cooperative. Founded in 1946, Amul’s success story is a testament to the power of collaboration. This cooperative structure empowers millions of milk producers in India, while their clever marketing campaigns featuring the iconic “Amul Girl” have captured hearts for generations.
22. Airtel
Airtel’s story exemplifies the rise of famous Indian brands on the global stage. Founded in 1995, Airtel has become a leading telecommunications company in India, offering mobile phone services and broadband internet to a massive subscriber base.
While Airtel is a dominant player in India, it also has a presence in 16 countries across South Asia and Africa, as well as the Channel Islands. These countries are primarily located in:
- South Asia: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh
- Africa: Kenya, Gabon, Chad, Tanzania, Congo B, Zambia, Madagascar, Uganda, Seychelles, Malawi, Nigeria, DRC, Africa HQ, Niger, Rwanda
Furthermore, Airtel partners with various telecommunication operators worldwide to provide international roaming services. This partnership allows their Indian subscribers to use their mobile phones with partner networks in over 184 countries. This makes Airtel a significant international operator.
23. Boat
Boat showcases the dynamism of young Indian companies. It is one of the best made in India brands, and the world knows why.
Established in 2016, Boat has become a leader in the consumer electronics market, particularly known for its stylish and affordable audio products. From trendy headphones to sleek earphones, Boat offers a variety of options for the tech-savvy Indian consumer, making high-quality audio accessible to a wider audience.
24. Lenskart
The world of e-commerce has also seen a rise in Indian brands. Lenskart, founded in 2010, is India’s leading online retailer for eyewear. They haven’t just stopped at offering a wide range of eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses; Lenskart has also embraced innovation. Their unique 3D virtual try-on technology allows customers to see how glasses would look on their face before buying them, making online shopping for eyewear a breeze.
25. Ola Electric
Sustainability is at the forefront of innovation for many Indian brands. Ola Electric, a subsidiary of the ride-sharing giant Ola, is making waves in the electric vehicle market. Established in 2017, they’re committed to providing eco-friendly transportation solutions.
Their first product, the Ola S1 electric scooter, has been a hit with Indian consumers looking for a greener way to travel. With their massive “Futurefactory” under construction, Ola Electric is poised to become a major player in the global electric vehicle landscape.
26. Jio
At the forefront of the telecommunication revolution in India is Jio, a young brand that has taken the market by storm. Founded in 2016, Jio, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, has become a major player in a short span. Their disruptive pricing strategy, offering affordable data plans, has shaken up the industry and made internet access more accessible for millions of Indians. Jio’s expansive 4G and 5G network coverage ensures a smooth connection for its vast subscriber base.
27. Nykaa
Nykaa, established in 2012, is a shining example of India’s booming beauty industry. It’s the country’s leading beauty retailer, offering a vast selection of cosmetics, skincare, fragrances, haircare, and wellness products. Nykaa caters to beauty enthusiasts through its user-friendly online platform and also boasts a growing network of offline stores across India. They’ve been a major force in promoting beauty e-commerce, and their own private-label brand of beauty products is gaining popularity.
28. Safari Bags
For over four decades, Safari Bags has been a household name synonymous with quality and durability in India. Founded in 1976, Safari stands out as one of the best Indian brands in luggage and bag manufacturing.
They offer a wide range of suitcases, backpacks, duffels, and briefcases, all crafted with high-quality materials and functionality in mind. This makes Safari bags a popular choice for travelers and professionals alike. Interestingly, Safari was the first Indian brand in the luggage segment to be awarded the ISO 9001 certification for quality management, solidifying its reputation for excellence as a maker of top-notch made-in-India products.
29. Lavie World
Lavie World, a made-in-India brand established in 2009, caters specifically to the fashion needs of women in India. They’ve become a popular choice for young, trendsetting women with their collection of stylish and trendy handbags, wallets, and other accessories.
Lavie offers a wide variety of designs to suit different tastes and occasions, all at affordable prices. They have a strong social media presence and are known for their influencer marketing strategies, making Lavie a brand that resonates with the modern Indian woman. This exemplifies the success of Indian brands in catering to the domestic market with fashion-forward products.
30. Mokobara: Bridging the Gap Between Style and Affordability in Luggage
Mokobara, a Bangalore-based brand founded in 2020, is a rising star among Indian brands in the travel accessory market. Despite being a relatively young company, Mokobara has quickly gained recognition for its commitment to offering both style and affordability. They design thoughtfully crafted luggage bags, backpacks, and travel accessories that cater to the sensibilities of the modern traveler.
Unlike traditional luggage brands, Mokobara focuses on creating products that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. Their product range goes beyond suitcases, including wallets, packing cubes, and neck pillows, offering a complete travel essentials solution.
End Note
These are the most famous Indian brands on the list for now. A great thing is that soon, we might witness an explosion of million-dollar Indian brands emerging in the global market. So, next time you venture outside for shopping, keep in mind these famous Indian brands. Let the variegated products made in India capture your senses.
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