A Visit to the Iconic Mysore Sandal Soap Factory: Where Heritage Meets Modernity

S N Poojitha

Few brands evoke nostalgia in Karnataka quite like Mysore Sandal Soap. For more than a century, its distinctive fragrance has been part of everyday life in millions of homes. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the historic Mysore Sandal Soap Factory in Bengaluru, and the experience left me with a deep appreciation not only for the products but also for the remarkable institution behind it. As I entered the sprawling factory premises with a Metro station named after it, I was immediately struck by the sense of history that permeates the campus. This is not merely a manufacturing unit – it is a living monument to Karnataka’s industrial heritage.

The story of Mysore Sandal Soap begins during the First World War. In the early twentieth century, the erstwhile Kingdom of Mysore was one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of sandalwood. When the war disrupted trade routes to Europe, large stocks of sandalwood accumulated within the state, creating a challenge as well as an opportunity.

Visionary ruler of Mysore – Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, together with the legendary Diwan (Minister) Sir M. Visvesvaraya, decided that instead of exporting raw material, they should create value-added products. In 1916, the Government Sandalwood Oil Factory was established to extract sandalwood oil from the abundant reserves available in the state. Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science played a crucial role in perfecting the extraction process and ensuring that the oil met the highest quality standards.

The success of the oil factory inspired the next step. A gifted industrial chemist, S. G. Shastry, was sent abroad to study soap manufacturing technology. On his return, he developed a unique sandalwood-based soap formulation. Thus was born Mysore Sandal Soap, a product that would go on to become synonymous with Karnataka itself.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the visit was learning how sandalwood oil is extracted. The process begins with mature sandalwood trees, particularly the heartwood and roots, which contain the highest concentration of aromatic compounds. The wood is carefully chipped and powdered before being subjected to steam distillation. During this process, steam passes through the sandalwood material, releasing the precious oil. The vapour is then condensed and separated to obtain pure sandalwood oil. This oil is rich in santalol, the compound responsible for the distinctive fragrance that has made Mysore sandal products famous worldwide.

Standing near the production area, I could smell the unmistakable rich aroma that has captivated generations. It is a fragrance that is simultaneously soothing, luxurious and deeply Indian.

In an era dominated by multinational brands and aggressive marketing campaigns, Mysore Sandal Soap has retained a loyal customer base through quality and authenticity.

What makes the soap unique is its infusion of pure sandalwood oil. The brand enjoys a special place in the market because of its heritage, traditional formulation and association with Karnataka’s sandalwood legacy. The iconic oval shape, elegant packaging and the Sharabha emblem have remained largely unchanged for decades, preserving a sense of continuity with its royal origins. As I walked through the factory, I realised that this is not just a soap. It is a piece of history wrapped in fragrant paper.

Many people still associate the company solely with its flagship soap. However, Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) today manufactures a wide range of products. Its portfolio includes premium soaps, bathing bars, sandalwood oils, talcum powders, hand washes, detergents, incense sticks, liquid soaps, body washes, shampoos and several personal care products. Over the years, the company has successfully diversified while retaining sandalwood as the heart of its brand identity.

While the factory proudly celebrates its past, it is equally focused on the future.

I had the fortune of hearing the story of its modernization from its Managing Director Dr. P. K. Prashanth, IFS. The management team has been driving significant modernisation initiatives. Improved production systems, expansion into new markets, introduction of new products and adoption of modern business strategies have contributed to an impressive growth trajectory. The company’s turnover has risen dramatically in recent years, reaching record levels, while profits have grown substantially. KSDL crossed ₹1,785 crore in turnover with profits exceeding ₹415 crore in 2024-25 and subsequently crossed the ₹2,000 crore turnover mark with profits above ₹500 crore in 2025-26.

What impressed me most was the confidence and optimism visible across the organisation. The factory is no longer merely preserving a legacy; it is actively building the next chapter of that legacy.

One aspect of the visit that particularly stood out was the manner in which employees are treated. In many factories, welfare facilities are viewed as an obligation. Here, they appeared to be part of the organisational culture. I was pleasantly surprised to see a spacious air-conditioned canteen available for employees with sumptuous full-course lunch being given free of cost. It reflected an understanding that workers deserve comfort and dignity irrespective of their role in the organisation.

During interactions across the campus, I sensed a genuine feeling of belonging among employees. Many spoke with pride about working for an institution that has been part of Karnataka’s history for over a century. The atmosphere suggested that management values its workforce not merely as employees but as members of an extended family. Such an approach perhaps explains why the organisation continues to maintain high levels of commitment and loyalty among its staff.

As I left the Mysore Sandal Soap Factory, the fragrance of sandalwood lingered long after the visit ended. But what stayed with me even more was the story of vision, innovation and perseverance.

Born from a wartime challenge, nurtured by enlightened leadership, strengthened by scientific innovation and sustained by generations of dedicated employees, Mysore Sandal Soap represents the very best of Karnataka’s industrial heritage.

In an age where brands often come and go, Mysore Sandal Soap stands as a reminder that quality, authenticity and respect for people never go out of fashion.