IIM Kozhikode, during the end of 2010, had embarked on an ambitious programme to create a Museum of Indian Business History which will be first of its kind, unique, monumental and a significant step in acknowledging the contribution of India’s business leaders as well as iconic contributors in the making of India. The ancient and historical city of Kozhikode (earlier known as Calicut), located in the southern most part of the country, made history when Vasco Da Gama landed here for the first time around 500 years ago. Trade, Commerce, Business Corporate and the Industry have varied as well as rich tradition and a vast history in the Indian sub-continent, yet there are no business history museums or archives attempted/ created so far in India. All these vouched the dire need for a national Business History Museum for India.
The Institute takes pride in announcing that the first ever Business Museum of India, the Indian Business Museum, was inaugurated in 2013 by the then Union HRD Minister Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju.
The mission has been to create a world class national Museum of Indian Business History at the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK), which shall shape the aspiration of young entrepreneurs and propel business entrepreneurship in the country. The Museum tells the amazing saga of Indian business in a chronology-cum-thematic manner, such as the ancient, medieval, colonial, pre-independence, post-independence, business sector, public sector, banking sector, technology sector, individual contributors, makers of modern India etc.
The Institute has spent close to Rs. 2.5 Crores to complete the first phase. The Malabar Chamber of Commerce also generously donated to the Museum by sponsoring the Malabar Pavilion and a large model of the Uru, the ancient ship which was used for trade and commerce between India and the rest of the world. The Museum spans over 23000 sq. ft. area.
On July 6, 2012 Dr. D. Subbarao, the Hon’ble Governor of the RBI inaugurated the RBI Gallery in the Indian Business Museum. RBI Gallery is one of the significant sections in the Business Museum. The Gallery speaks of the evolution of the reserve bank as well as the origins and history of the financial system in India.
The theme of the Museum was unveiled by Shri Oommen Chandy, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala, in the presence of the Cabinet Ministers and Prof. Debashis Chatterjee on 18 August 2011.
A number of major business houses from the private as well as public sector have partnered with us in our endeavour to consolidate and conserve the rare treasure of India’s invaluable wealth, the memorabilia of Indian Business History. They include TATA, Godrej, Reliance, RBI, SBI, Infosys, FACT, GMR, ISRO, India Posts etc.
IIMK is now contemplating and initiating the Phase-II of the Museum, which will augment the experiential learning of the visitors significantly by means of digital technologies.
Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director IIM Kozhikode takes this opportunity to urge the corporate houses, business leaders and historical collectors in the country to generously donate business related historical artifacts, objects, sculptures, models, photographs, documents, illustrations etc. and the receipt of which will be befittingly acknowledged, documented and carefully preserved in the Museum.
Donors are requested to forward the items/enquiries to, Convener, Indian Business Museum, Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode, IIMK Campus P.O., CALICUT – 673 570, INDIA (Phone: Off. 0495-2809140;; Email: librarian@iimk.ac.in).
