5 Iconic Indian Brands that are Built by Partition Refugees

The 1947 Partition of India remains one of history's most traumatic mass migrations, displacing over 14 million people overnight. Whilst the human cost was immeasurable, some refugees channelled their extraordinary resilience into entrepreneurial ventures that would become household names across India. These visionary founders, forced to abandon everything they knew, rebuilt their lives by creating brands that not only survived but thrived, becoming integral to India's commercial landscape and cultural identity today.

1. Apollo Tyres - Rolling Forward Despite the Odds

Founded by Raunaq Singh in 1972

When Raunaq Singh's family fled Lahore during Partition, they arrived in Delhi with little more than hope and determination. Singh, then a young man, witnessed firsthand the struggles of starting afresh in an unfamiliar land. This experience would later fuel his ambition to create something lasting and significant.

Decades later, Singh established Apollo Tyres in Perambra, Kerala, transforming it from a modest venture into one of India's leading tyre manufacturers. The company, which began with a single manufacturing facility, now operates across multiple continents with state-of-the-art plants in India, Hungary, and the Netherlands. Apollo Tyres has become synonymous with quality and innovation, sponsoring major sporting events and partnering with global automotive giants. Singh's refugee background instilled in him an unwavering commitment to excellence and self-reliance, values that became the bedrock of Apollo's corporate philosophy and contributed to its remarkable journey from a regional player to an international powerhouse in the automotive industry.

2. Karachi Bakery - Sweet Memories from Across the Border

Founded by Khanchand Ramnani in 1953

The story of Karachi Bakery begins with Khanchand Ramnani, who operated a successful bakery in Karachi before Partition forced him to abandon his thriving business and flee to India. Settling in Hyderabad with his family, Ramnani was determined to recreate the authentic flavours and baking techniques that had made his original establishment so beloved in pre-Partition Karachi.

In 1953, he opened Karachi Bakery in Moazzam Jahi Market, Hyderabad, maintaining the same name as a tribute to his roots and the life he had left behind. The bakery quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional fruit biscuits, dilkush, and other traditional confections that perfectly captured the essence of Sindhi and Punjabi culinary traditions. Today, Karachi Bakery has expanded across South India with multiple outlets, yet it continues to use original recipes and time-honoured techniques passed down through generations. The brand represents more than just baked goods; it's a living testament to the cultural heritage of Partition refugees and their determination to preserve their identity whilst building new lives in their adopted homeland.

3. Moti Mahal - The Birthplace of Butter Chicken

Founded by Kundan Lal Gujral in 1947

Kundan Lal Gujral's culinary empire began in Peshawar, where he ran a successful restaurant before Partition forced him to leave everything behind. Arriving in Delhi as a refugee, Gujral refused to let circumstances defeat his entrepreneurial spirit. In 1947, he established Moti Mahal in Daryaganj, Delhi, bringing with him not just recipes but revolutionary cooking techniques that would change Indian cuisine forever.

Gujral is credited with inventing some of India's most iconic dishes, including butter chicken, dal makhani, and tandoori chicken. His innovation of the tandoor oven and the technique of finishing dishes with cream and butter created an entirely new category of North Indian cuisine. What started as a small restaurant catering to fellow refugees and local residents gradually became a destination for food lovers from across the world. Moti Mahal's influence extends far beyond its original location; it sparked a culinary revolution that spread globally, with Indian restaurants worldwide serving dishes that trace their origins back to Gujral's kitchen. His refugee experience taught him the importance of adaptability and innovation, qualities that enabled him to create a lasting legacy in India's gastronomic landscape.

4. Faqir Chand Bookstore - Preserving Knowledge Across Borders

Founded by Faqir Chand in 1948

Literature and learning have no boundaries, a philosophy that sustained Faqir Chand when he was forced to leave his bookstore in Lahore during Partition. As a passionate bibliophile and bookseller, Chand understood that knowledge was the one possession that could never be taken away, even when everything else was lost to the violence and chaos of 1947.

Arriving in Delhi with a few precious books tucked away in his luggage, Chand established his new bookstore in Khan Market in 1948. Starting with a modest collection, he slowly rebuilt his inventory, focusing on academic texts, literature, and rare publications that had been lost or scattered during Partition. Faqir Chand Bookstore became more than just a commercial venture; it evolved into a cultural hub where intellectuals, students, and book lovers gathered to discuss literature, politics, and philosophy. The store played a crucial role in preserving and disseminating knowledge during India's formative years post-independence. Today, it remains one of Delhi's most respected bookstores, continuing to serve multiple generations of readers whilst maintaining its founder's commitment to making quality literature accessible to all sections of society, regardless of their economic background.

5. MDH Spices - The Masala King's Journey

The colourful packets of MDH spices that grace Indian kitchens worldwide tell a remarkable story of resilience and entrepreneurship that began with Mahashay Dharampal Gulati's journey from Sialkot to Delhi during Partition. Gulati, who had been involved in the spice trade in his hometown, arrived in Delhi with virtually nothing but an intimate knowledge of spices and an unshakeable belief in his products' quality.

Starting with a small shop in Karol Bagh in 1953, Gulati began grinding and selling spices using traditional methods whilst gradually introducing innovations in packaging and quality control. His commitment to purity and authentic flavours quickly earned customer loyalty, and MDH grew from a neighbourhood store to one of India's most trusted spice brands. Gulati's face became synonymous with the brand, appearing on every packet as a symbol of trust and authenticity. His refugee background instilled in him a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures of life, particularly good food, which he believed could bring families together regardless of their circumstances. Under his leadership, MDH expanded internationally, carrying the authentic taste of Indian cuisine to diaspora communities worldwide whilst maintaining the same quality standards that made it successful in its early days.