Mysore Sandal Soap is not only popular in South India but is used by everyone across the country. It is an important part of Diwali and other auspicious celebrations. But did you know how did this idea of sandalwood soaps came into existence? Are you aware of its legal hassles with former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni?
Here are the top 10 interesting things to know about Mysore Sandal Soap:
1. Idea Of Sandalwood Soap
Once the Maharaja of Mysore was gifted a rare pack of soaps made from sandalwood oil produced in India. From this gift evolved the idea of making sandalwood soaps.
Soap With History Of 102 Years
The Mysore Sandal Soap is manufactured by the Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd. (KSDL) run by the state. KSDL recently completed 102 years of manufacturing the iconic soaps. The soap was launched for the first time in 1918 in the market.
The Government Soap Factory was set up for the first time in Bangalore by the King of Mysore, Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV in 1916.
First World War Triggered The Use Of Sandalwood Oil
Mysore always had excessive reserves of sandalwood. But during the First World War, it was not possible to export it to Europe. This triggered off the thought behind setting up a factory for manufacturing soap made from sandalwood oil.
SG Shastry Developed Sandal Perfume For The Soap
An industrial chemist by the name SG Shastry developed the sandal perfume. It was then used for manufacturing the first indigenous sandal soap. The base sandal note and fragrance of Mysore Sandal Soap has over the years retained its specialty in the market.
Incorporation Of KSDL As Company
KSDL was incorporated as a company in 1980. The Government Soap Factory having the sandalwood oil factories at Mysore and Shimoga were merged.
Only Soap Made From 100% Sandalwood Oil
It is the only soap in the world that is made from 100% pure sandalwood oil. Incidentally, KSDL has its proprietary geographical indication tag on the product. This gives KSDL the intellectual property rights for using the brand name as well as for ensuring the quality of the Mysore Sandal Soap.
It also prevents any privacy or unauthorized use of the formula by any other manufacturers.
MS Dhoni Was First Brand Ambassador
In 2006, KSDL roped in famous cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the first brand ambassador for promoting Mysore Sandal Soap. However, the association did not work well. The soapmakers blamed Dhoni for defaulting his commercial commitments. The court’s ruling went in favor of the cricketer.
KSDL -One Of The Largest Factory
The soap factory of KSDL in Bengaluru manufacturing Mysore Sandal Soap is one of the largest of its kind in the country. It has the capacity of producing 26,000 tonnes of soap every year.
New Range Of Soaps – Mysoap
KSDL came out with a new basket of soaps on 4 November 2017 under the brand name Mysoap. The range includes Rose Milk Cream, Orange Lime, Jasmine Milk Cream, Fruity Floral, and Cologne Lavender. Each variety comes in 100g exclusive packaging.
85% Sales Restricted To 3 South Indian States
Even though Mysore Sandal Soap is available all over India, its 85% sale is restricted only to three South Indian states. These include Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Most of the users are above the age of 40 years. It that it is yet to get acceptance from the youth.
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