Mysore Sandal Soap

from Aasawari Kulkarni:

“The design and manufacture of the now iconic oval soap bar, along with its unique packaging has been credited to Sosale Garalapury Shastry (also known as Soap Shastry). According to a report by Suresh Moona in the Hindu, Shastry wanted the soap to be as valuable a material as a jewel. “A rectangular box resembling jewelry boxes was made. The soap was wrapped in tissue paper as jewel shops deliver the jewels in the same manner.” The packaging features a border with adorned with vines and flowers in a royal red color with the ‘Mysore Sandal Soap’ logo—a cursive high contrast script lettering— in the center. The packaging also features the Sharaba, a lion with the head of an elephant: a mythical creature that symbolizes strength, bravery, and knowledge. All elements allude to the royal origins of the original soap factory, as the packaging proudly mentions “since 1916”. The packaging and the logo, which hasn’t changed in 40 years is reminiscent of a culture of celebration. It’s so iconic that many dupes have come along the way but nothing is as original as “the only soap with 100% pure sandalwood oil” as the box proudly features.”

https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/aroma-lingers-even-after-100-years/article61989153.ece?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email