Mysore Sandal Soap, first manufactured in 1916, is an iconic product rooted in the history of the Mysore Kingdom. Its creation was spearheaded by Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV, the Maharaja of Mysore, who established the Government Soap Factory in Bangalore to utilize the kingdom’s abundant reserves of sandalwood. These reserves, which could not be exported to Europe due to World War I, found their purpose in the creation of what would become the only soap in the world made from 100% pure sandalwood oil.
In 1980, the Government Soap Factory merged with the sandalwood oil factories at Shimoga and Mysore, leading to the incorporation of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL). Over the years, Mysore Sandal Soap has garnered a reputation for its purity and quality, with its luxurious formula being a staple in Indian households and a symbol of the state’s craftsmanship. In 2006, the soap earned a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, further solidifying its cultural and economic significance.
One of the soap’s most significant achievements came in 2012, when KSDL launched “Millennium,” the most expensive soap produced indigenously in India. Priced at Rs 720 for a 150 gm bar, this super-premium soap contains 3% pure sandalwood oil, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to quality.
Mysore Sandal Soap’s history and consistent use of pure sandalwood oil make it a unique and cherished product both in India and internationally, standing as a testament to the enduring legacy of Indian craftsmanship.
