It all started with my ancestor Jamnalaldas Ji in 1881, who used to import textile and cater it to Nizams during that era. Back then, sourcing textile was a very luxurious affair, and Nizams used to control the entire supply in the region. They have awarded Jamnalaldas for his indigenous service and quality offered during his time. Later, my great-great grandfather Nandlaldas, who was in textile distribution under the Nizams back then, has continued the legacy of Jamnalaldas.
I belong to the sixth generation, and it's incredible to think that my ancestors embarked on a week-long camel journey from Hyderabad, facing the challenges of an arduous expedition. Once they set foot in Hyderabad, the first business my family started was headed by Jamalnalaldas and his sons Nandlaldas and Rameswardas-laid their hands on jewellery, especially pearls. Jamnalaldas used to go by ship to Basra (in Iraq) to get pearls. Business was good but later on the Nizam was very keen that someone must oversee the textile sector in the state as it was lagging behind. Jamnalaldas 's grandson and Nandlal's son, JaiKirandas became the sole authorised distributor of textiles for the Nizam state.
In the late 1920s, my family set up a store on Madina Main Road, Hyderabad and named "Nandlal Rameshwardas'', but after India attained Independence and the Jagir Abolition act- 1953 came into force, there was widespread loot and arson in which well-off families were targeted. Our family fled Hyderabad and took shelter at Hinganghat near Nagpur. It was only after five years that our family felt confident enough to head back to the city. However, the hiccup was we had to start from scratch. In the late 1950s- early 60s, the textile sector too was undergoing sea change as textile mills were coming up in India, while during the Nizams days, material was imported from countries like Japan. We started procuring fabric from Ahmedabad and Bombay to sell it at our Madina Road store.
Slowly and steadily over the years, our family earned a formidable reputation in the textile industry not just locally but also across the country. And towards the turn of the century (around 2002-04), our family started weaving plans of making a big splash into the retail textile business as traditionally we were manufacturers and wholesalers. It was also during 1999 that our family moved out from our Madina Road store to Banjara Hills area to focus on the retail segment.
In 2002, I started "Singhania's" into the retail segment and opened our first store near Old City, Hyderabad. Upon the massive response and love from our customers, I have decided to make my offerings more accessible to the masses and moved my business to Banjara Hills in 2005.