Hinduja family timeline: From Shikarpur traders to global billionaires
Hinduja dynasty marks a century of power and wealth as the family now stands at crossroads
Dubai: For more than a century, the Hinduja family has built one of the world’s most influential business empires — a journey defined by ambition, adaptability, and unity.
From its origins in pre-partition India to its rise as a global conglomerate spanning energy, finance, and industry, the dynasty’s story mirrors the evolution of modern enterprise itself. Here’s how the Hinduja legacy unfolded through the decades:
1914 – The Beginning
Parmanand Deepchand Hinduja establishes a trading venture in Shikarpur (now in Pakistan), dealing in carpets, textiles, tea, and spices.
1919 – Expansion to Iran
The family builds a major trading base in Iran, marking the start of its international operations.
1971 – New Generation Takes Over
After Parmanand’s death, his four sons — Srichand, Gopichand, Prakash, and Ashok — assume control of the business, steering it into modern industries.
1979 – Move to London
The Iranian Revolution forces the family to relocate its headquarters to London, setting the stage for global diversification.
1984 – Entry into Energy
Acquisition of Gulf Oil International gives the group a strong foothold in the global energy market.
1987 – Automotive Expansion
The purchase of Ashok Leyland transforms the group into a major player in India’s transport and manufacturing sector.
1993 – Banking Breakthrough
Launch of IndusInd Bank, signaling the group’s commitment to India’s liberalising economy.
2014 – “Four Bodies, One Soul”
The four brothers formalise their philosophy of shared control, signing a letter stating that “everything belongs to everyone, and nothing belongs to anyone.”
2020 – Legal Rift Emerges
Vinoo Hinduja, daughter of the late Srichand Hinduja, challenges the 2014 letter in a London court, questioning the group’s collective ownership model.
2023 – Reconciliation and Renewal
The family announces a settlement ending years of legal disputes, reaffirming unity and joint leadership. The group expands further — securing regulatory approval to acquire Reliance Capital and a 60% stake in Invesco Asset Management India.
2025 – Leadership Crossroads
With Gopichand Hinduja’s passing, succession passes to Prakash and Ashok Hinduja, as the third generation steps into larger roles across the family’s $15 billion global empire.
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