If you travel on Mumbai’s Central Railway line, chances are you’ve passed through Vikhroli. Today, it is surrounded by apartment towers, offices, factories, busy roads and one of Mumbai’s important railway connections. But Vikhroli was not always an urban suburb. Long before it became associated with Godrej, railway commuters and Mumbai’s growing eastern suburbs, the…
Author: Neha Singh
Neha Singh writes about Indian history, city origins, business histories and cultural stories. Her work focuses on researching historical records, archives, newspaper reports and institutional sources to explain how places, brands and traditions developed - Linkedin Profile
The Hope Diamond: From India to the French Crown and the Smithsonian
Few gemstones have a history as complicated as the Hope Diamond. The deep blue diamond has passed through royal collections, survived the upheaval of the French Revolution, disappeared for years, resurfaced in London and eventually became one of the most famous objects at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. Along the…
How Bisleri Became India’s Favourite Bottled Water Brand
Ask for a bottle of water at a roadside shop in India, and there is a good chance you will hear someone say, “Ek Bisleri dena.” The customer may eventually receive a different brand, but the name Bisleri has become so familiar that people often use it when asking for packaged drinking water. For a…
Wagh Bakri Chai History: Narandas Desai, Gandhi and the Brand’s Growth
Tea is more than a beverage in India. It is part of the morning routine, an excuse to take a break, and a familiar companion during conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. From roadside tea stalls to office pantries, chai brings people together across generations and social backgrounds. Few Indian tea brands have built their…
Nataraj and Apsara Pencils Share a Common Owner: The Story of Hindustan Pencils
If you grew up in India, there is a good chance you have used a Nataraj or Apsara pencil. Maybe it was the familiar red-and-black Nataraj in your school pencil box. Or perhaps you remember Apsara pencils from drawing classes, examinations or art projects. For years, many Indian students treated them as competing brands. But…
How Darjeeling Became Bengal’s Favourite Hill Station
Darjeeling has long been a favourite holiday destination for people from Bengal. From family trips during Durga Puja to summer escapes among mist-covered hills, the town holds a special place in the region’s travel culture. Its tea gardens, colonial-era buildings, mountain views and famous toy train have made it one of India’s most recognisable hill…
India’s ₹10,000 Note: History of Its Highest Banknote
Most Indians are familiar with ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100, ₹200 and ₹500 banknotes. Until recently, the pink ₹2,000 note was also a familiar sight, following its introduction during the 2016 demonetisation. But did you know that the Reserve Bank of India once issued a banknote worth ₹10,000? India’s highest-denomination banknote was introduced in 1938, decades…
Jay Pritzker’s Billion-Dollar Legacy: The Man Behind Hyatt
Hyatt Hotels is one of the most well-known hotel brands in the world today. The journey of Hyatt began in 1957 and grew steadily into a global hospitality company. If you want to understand how Hyatt started, who founded it, and how it expanded over the years, this guide explains everything in simple words. How…
How Raghunandan Kamath Built a Rs 300 Crore Ice Cream Empire
Natural Ice Cream is a well-known brand today, but it started with very humble beginnings. The story shows you that you do not need privilege to achieve your dreams. When you work hard and stay dedicated, you can succeed. Raghunandan Srinivas Kamath, the founder of Natural Ice Cream, is a great example for you. He…
Haldiram’s Success Story: From a Bikaner Bhujia Shop to a Global Brand
When people in India think about bhujia, namkeen, sweets or quick Indian meals, Haldiram’s is one of the first names that usually comes to mind. The brand has become so familiar that it is easy to forget how modest its beginnings actually were. Long before Haldiram’s became a name found in supermarkets, airports, restaurants and…