The Tata Group, established in 1868, is India's largest conglomerate with operations in over 100 countries. It comprises 29 publicly listed companies with a total market capitalisation of ₹31.6 trillion. Major affiliates include Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, and Titan. The group has faced controversies related to political corruption, environmental issues, and exploitation.
Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, the founder of Tata Group, is born in Navsari, Gujarat to a family of Parsee Zoroastrian priests.
At the age of 20, Jamsetji joined his father's small firm, where he gained knowledge about commodities, markets, trading, and banking.
The Tata Group was established in 1868, and it has grown to become India's largest conglomerate with operations in over 100 countries.
Jamsetji acquired a bankrupt oil mill in Chinchpokli, which was later converted into a cotton mill and renamed as Alexandra Mill.
With a capital of Rs.21,000, Tata founded a trading company in 1870, marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.
Jamsetji sold Alexandra Mill for a significant profit to a local cotton merchant.
Jamsetji established a textile mill in Nagpur, which proved to be very successful, choosing this city over Bombay, the Indian textile hub.
Jamsetji establishes Empress Mills, the oldest and the largest composite textile mill in India.
Jamsetji establishes a textile mill in Nagpur instead of Bombay, India's textile hub. The Empress Mills experiment would prove to be a stroke of genius.
Tata Baug was built in 1891 on 22 acres in Navsari, showcasing the Tata Group's commitment to preserving natural beauty.
Empress Mills pioneers employee welfare initiatives, long before they are enacted by law. 150 years later, the Tata group remains a 'people-first' enterprise.
In 1898, Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata donated land for a research institute that was later founded by his sons as the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore (Bengaluru). This contribution played a significant role in the advancement of technical education and scientific research in India.
The Indian Hotels Company Limited primarily owns, operates, and manages hotels, palaces, and resorts under various brands, including Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta, The Gateway, Ginger, Expressions, ama Stays and Trails and TajSATS.
Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata began organizing India's first large-scale ironworks, which were later incorporated in 1907 as the Tata Iron and Steel Company. This marked a significant milestone in India's industrial history.
The group incorporated the Indian Hotels Company in 1902 to commission the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, the first luxury hotel in India.
The Taj Mahal Hotel opens for business on December 16. It is one of Jamsetji's many dreams for India, and the only one that would come to fruition in his lifetime.
Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, the founder of Tata, dies in 1904.
Tata Steel is one of the largest steel companies in the world, with operations in multiple countries and a significant presence in India.
Tata Steel, founded on August 25, 1907, is one of the top global steel companies, contributing significantly to the steel industry and economic development.
The launch of an institute by the Tata Group.
ITC Limited is an Indian multinational conglomerate company that operates in various sectors including FMCG, hotels, paperboards, and agri-business.
The Tata Power Company Limited is an India-based integrated power company engaged in electric power generation, transmission and distribution, electronic products, and service businesses.
In 1912, the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel was inaugurated in Mumbai, marking Tata's venture into the hospitality sector and showcasing the excellence of Indian architectural design. This establishment laid the groundwork for Tata's future success in the hospitality industry.
Tata Power is a leading integrated power company in India, involved in power generation, transmission, and distribution, with a strong focus on sustainability.
In 1917, the Tata Oil Mills Company (TOMCO) was established, signifying Tata's expansion into the consumer products sector. This move played a significant role in the diversification of Tata's business portfolio.
Tata Sons is registered as a private limited company, serving as the holding company of the Tata Group and holding the majority of shareholding in the Tata group of companies, along with their various assets such as land holdings, tea estates, and steel plants across India.
Sir Ratan Tata passes away in 1919, and the first of the Tata Trusts, the Sir Ratanji Tata Trust & Allied Trusts, is set up in accordance with his will with a corpus of Rs. 8 million.
In 1929, JRD Tata achieved a significant milestone by receiving the first pilot license in India, marking the Tata Group's foray into aviation.
In 1930, the Tata Limited team had an outing at Skindles Hotel in Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK.
JRD pilots the first flight of the subcontinent from Karachi to Mumbai, marking the birth of Tata Airlines, later known as Air India.
After the passing of Sir Dorab, Nowroji Saklatvala, a trusted lieutenant and passionate labour advocate, takes over as the Chairman of the Tata group.
Sir Nowroji Saklatwala passes away in France, leading to J. R. D. Tata assuming the leading position in the Tata Group at the age of 34, making him the youngest Chairman in the group's history.
Tata Chemicals is a market leader in the fertilizers and chemicals sectors. It produces many compounds, including salt, sodium bicarbonate, and soda ash. Tata Chemicals also manufactures fertilizers to aid in the development of agriculture. The business, which strongly emphasizes sustainable practices, has forayed into industries including water management and nutraceuticals.
The Tata Memorial Hospital is commissioned by the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, pioneering cancer treatment in India and providing access to cancer care for all.
In 1945, JRD Tata and Homi Bhabha play a crucial role in advancing India's scientific infrastructure by establishing the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.
In 1946, Naval Tata is appointed as the President of the Indian Hockey Association. During his tenure, India achieves Olympic success by winning gold medals in 1948, 1952, and 1956.
The Tata Institute of Social Sciences was founded in 1948, reflecting Tata's dedication to social and educational advancement.
In 1952, Tata Group launches India's first cosmetics brand, Lakme, which becomes a cause for celebration among women across the country. The brand is later sold to Hindustan Unilever, along with TOMCO, in 1984.
In 1953, the Government of India acquired a majority stake in Tata Airlines through the Air Corporations Act, although JRD Tata continued as chairman until 1977.
Tata Motors, a part of the renowned Tata Group, was established on November 4, 1954, and has since become one of the leading automobile manufacturers in India.
Established in 1958, Tata Tea has transformed into Tata Consumer Products, marking a significant evolution in the company's portfolio.
In 1962, TELCO entered into a collaboration with Daimler Benz AG, leading to the production of the first Tata Mercedes-Benz truck within six months.
Tata Global Beverages (TGB) is a division of Tata Consumer Products that produces and distributes beverages worldwide. It owns well-known brands like Tata Tea, Tetley, Good Earth, and Eight O'Clock Coffee.
Tata Global Beverages is established through a joint venture with James Finlay and the Tata Group for the production of tea and coffee.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is a global IT services, consulting, and business solutions company, known for its innovative technology solutions.
Entered the National Centre for the Performing Arts.
The Kerala Government filed an affidavit in the high court alleging that Tata Tea had 'grabbed' forest land of 3,000 acres at Munnar. The Tatas provided that they possessed 58,741.82 acres of land, which they are allowed to retain under the Kannan Devan Hill (Resumption of Lands) Act, 1971, and there was a shortage of 278.23 hectares in that. The Chief Minister of Kerala V.S. Achuthanandan formed a special squad for the Munnar land takeover mission and started acquiring back properties. However, the mission was aborted due to both influential landholders and opposition from Achuthanandan's own party.
Tata Precision Industries is established as a subsidiary specializing in high-precision machining, precision fine blanking, engineering plastic moulded parts and tool design, promoted by Tata Motors, Tata International AG, and the Development Bank of Singapore.
The Namsetji Tata Trust is established to mark the centenary year of the Tata enterprise, bestowing grants in areas where innovative efforts are being made.
In 1976, Tata Finlay took over the production and marketing operations of James Finlay, marking a significant expansion of Tata's business activities.
Tata Finlay takes over the production and marketing operations of James Finlay.
JRD Tata and Dr. Jamshed Bhabha envision a world-class performing arts centre to preserve India's heritage, leading to the establishment of the National Centre for the Performing Arts.
In 1984, James Finlay sold their shareholding in Tata Finlay to Tata Group, leading to the complete ownership of the company by the group. As a result, the company was renamed Tata Tea.
Tata Motors was established in 1985, marking a significant milestone in the Indian automotive industry.
JRD Tata attended the inauguration of Titan's Hosur factory in March 1988.
Tata Elxsi is a global design and technology consultancy firm that provides product design and engineering services for various industries, including automotive, media and communications, and healthcare. It specializes in artificial intelligence, industrial design, user experience design, and embedded systems.
Tata Metaliks Limited is an India-based company engaged in the manufacture of foundry-grade pig iron and offers end-to-end technical services.
In January 1991, J.R.D. Tata launched the Tata Central Archives (TCA) in Bombay, which later moved to Pune in 2001. The TCA was formally inaugurated on February 13, 2001 at the Tata Management Training Centre.
In 1992, JRD Tata was honored with India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, for his significant contribution to nation building.
In 1994, Tata Group initiated its global expansion by establishing Tata Africa Holdings in South Africa, marking the beginning of its international presence.
The year 1996 witnessed the introduction of Tata Indica by Tata Motors, marking a milestone as the first indigenous passenger vehicle in India and showcasing Tata's engineering capabilities in the automotive sector.
In 1997, Nani Palkhivala resigned from the Tata group citing ill health. His departure signaled a change in the leadership landscape of the organization under the direction of Ratan Tata.
In 1998, TELCO (now Tata Motors) launched Tata Indica, India's first indigenously designed and manufactured car, and Tata Safari, India's first SUV, marking a significant milestone in the Indian automotive industry.
In February 2000, Tata Group acquired Tetley, marking a significant expansion of the company's portfolio through the acquisition of a well-known beverage brand.
In 2001, Tata Group strengthened its presence in the insurance sector by establishing joint ventures, including Tata AIG. This move marked the group's expansion and diversification in the financial services industry.
In 2002, the Tata group acquires a controlling stake in VSNL, leading to the establishment of Tata Communications. This acquisition solidifies Tata Communications as a global leader in network solutions, mobility, and IoT.
Tata Group made a bid of Rs 1,313 crore for the acquisition of Singapore's NatSteel in 2004.
Tata Steel successfully completed the acquisition of NatSteel in February 2005.
Tata Steel finalized the buyout of NatSteel in February 2005.
On 2 January 2006, Tribal Orissa villagers protested against the construction of a new steel plant for Tata Steel on land historically owned by them. Police retribution was brutal: 37 protesters were injured and 13 killed, including 3 women and a 13-year-old boy. One policeman was hacked to death by a mob after police had opened fire on protestors with tear gas and rubber bullets. Family members of the deceased villagers later claimed that the bodies had been mutilated during post-mortem examination.
Tata Steel acquired Anglo-Dutch steel maker Corus Group Plc in 2007, renaming it Tata Steel Europe. This acquisition made Tata Steel the world's seventh largest steel producer.
Tata Group acquired PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) for $1.1 billion in March 2007.
Tata Group acquired Campton Place Hotel in San Francisco for $60 million in April 2007.
Tata Motors acquired the iconic British car maker JaguarLand Rover in 2008, providing a strategic hedge against challenges faced by the company's domestic passenger car business.
On January 10, 2008, Tata Motors officially launched the Nano, a revolutionary small car designed to provide affordable transportation for millions of consumers.
In 2009, Tata Motors announced that it would manufacture trucks in Myanmar, which subsequently faced criticism from human rights activists for supplying hardware and automobiles to Burma's military.
In April 2010, Tata Group acquired Hewitt Robins International in the United Kingdom.
Tata Medical Center, a comprehensive cancer care and treatment facility designed especially to serve the poor in the region, is inaugurated by Ratan Tata.
Tata Global Beverages and Starbucks announce a 50:50 joint venture called Tata Starbucks Limited, marking the launch of Starbucks outlets in India under the brand 'Starbucks Coffee - A Tata Alliance'. The first stores open in Delhi and Mumbai.
Tata Starbucks Limited, a joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Global Beverages Limited, opens the first Starbucks store in India.
In July 2013, Tata Group acquired Alti SA in France.
In December 2014, Tata Group acquired Energy Products Limited in India.
A reference to AIG was found in an article retrieved on 19th September 2019 from tataaig.com.
On August 31, 2016, the Honorable Supreme Court of India set aside the land acquisition by the West Bengal Government in 2006 that had facilitated Tata Motors' Nano plant, stating that the West Bengal government had not taken possession of the land legally, and were now required to repossess and return it to local farmers within 12 weeks without compensation.
Air India reached its peak during the leadership of JRD Tata, as mentioned by Jitendra Bhargava, Former ED of Air India, on June 21, 2017.
In an interview with the Financial Times on February 19, 2018, the Tata boss mentioned the need to 'stop the bleeding' in the company.
In May 2018, Tata Group acquired Bhushan Steel Limited in India.
In July 2018, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) issued a verdict in favor of Tata Group on charges of mismanagement leveled in 2016 by ousted chairman, Cyrus Mistry.
In May 2019, Tata Global Beverages and Tata Chemicals revealed their plan to merge their consumer brands and establish a new entity named Tata Consumer Products Ltd, signifying a strategic move for the Tata Group.
The joint venture between Thyssenkrupp and Tata Steel in Europe was blocked by EU regulators.
Tata CLiQ announced plans to launch an e-wallet in 4-5 months, indicating its foray into the digital payment sector and enhancing its e-commerce platform.
Information about Tata Coffee was retrieved from tatacoffee.com on 20 September 2019.
Bhushan Steel Limited was renamed to Tata Steel BSL Limited.
Tata Motors acquired a 79% stake in the Spanish bus and coach maker Hispano in 2019.
Details about a truly exclusive air charter service were retrieved from tajhotels.com on 2 October 2019.
Tata Steel's acquisition of NatSteel was announced on economictimes.indiatimes.com on October 18, 2019.
Information about Tata Coffee was retrieved from tatacoffee.com on 23 November 2019.
The Tata Trusts is mentioned in an article on ngosindia.com, retrieved on 8 December 2019.
The Tata Research Development and Design Centre was referenced in an article retrieved on 12 December 2019 from iitk.ac.in.
In 2020, Tata Group generated a revenue of ₹7.7 trillion (USD 103 billion), showcasing its significant financial prowess.
In February 2021, Tata Digital acquired 68% of BigBasket.
In May 2021, Tata Digital Ltd, a subsidiary of Tata Sons, acquired majority stakes in the e-commerce grocery giant, BigBasket. This acquisition marked a significant move in the company's expansion into the e-commerce sector.
In June 2021, Tata Digital Ltd, a subsidiary of Tata Sons, acquired majority stakes in the online healthcare marketplace, 1MG. This strategic acquisition further strengthened Tata Digital's presence in the online healthcare sector.
In October 2021, Tata Group acquired Air India, Air India Express, and 50% stake in Air India SATS for ₹18,000 crore (US$2.3 billion).
Tata Sons won a bid to acquire Air India, marking the return of the airline to the group after 68 years. The management and control of Air India was transferred to Tata Group on January 27, 2022.