In a remarkable twist of history, Sanjiv Mehta, an Indian entrepreneur, now owns the East India Company — the very enterprise that once ruled and exploited India under British colonialism for nearly 200 years.
Once a symbol of imperial domination, the East India Company has now transformed into a modern global luxury brand under Mehta’s ownership and is currently valued at a staggering ₹71,000 crore (approximately $8.5 billion).
“It’s not just a business acquisition — it’s a reclamation of history,” says Sanjiv Mehta, Chairman of the revived East India Company. “We have turned a symbol of subjugation into one of empowerment.”
- Founded: 1600 by British Royal Charter
- Colonial Rule: Controlled large parts of India until 1858
- Revived: Acquired by Sanjiv Mehta in 2005
- Current Value: ₹71,000 crore
- Operations: Luxury goods, gourmet foods, fine teas, coffees, and lifestyle products
Mehta, who bought the rights to the company name and trademark from UK-based shareholders in the early 2000s, spent years rebuilding the brand into a symbol of fine craftsmanship and global heritage — with a strong presence in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Under his leadership, the East India Company has distanced itself from its colonial legacy, now promoting India’s heritage, artisanal products, and global trade — in a way that honors the nation’s identity and craftsmanship.
“What once looted India now celebrates it,” said cultural historian Dr. Ananya Dasgupta.
The transformation of the East India Company under Indian ownership stands as a powerful reminder of how the tides of history can turn — from oppression to ownership, and from colonial exploitation to cultural celebration.
