A Beginning Rooted in Craft, Not Commerce
C. Krishniah Chetty’s journey began in 1869, when founder Cotha Krishniah Chetty migrated to the then British Cantonment of Bangalore and established a business in gems, coloured beads, silver, and goldsmithing. Located on Narayan Pillai Street and Commercial Street, a hub of skilled artisans, the enterprise was less a commercial venture and more a craft driven vocation.
With remarkable foresight, the founder recognized the opportunities that the British Cantonment presented and laid the foundation of what would become one of India’s most respected jewellery houses. What started as a modest workshop would later be compared to the finest jewellers of London, reflecting its commitment to precision, artistry, and international standards.
From Cantonment Roots to Royal Patronage
The legacy was expanded by Cotha Audinarayana Chetty, who built strong relationships with British clientele and introduced European influences to the brand. He imported wares from Mappin & Webb of London and became an importer from The Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company of London. C. Krishniah Chetty also collaborated with Rolex of Switzerland, commissioning custom diamond set gold wristwatches bearing the C. Krishniah Chetty insignia, some of which remain in the company’s archives to this day.
C. Krishniah Chetty’s craftsmanship gained global recognition through participation in the Delhi Exposition in 1903, Lahore Exposition in 1930 and the Paris Exposition in 1931, where its work was acknowledged among the finest from the East.
A defining milestone came in 1910 when His Highness Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar appointed Cotha Krishniah Chetty as Jeweller to the Royal Court of Mysore. This marked the beginning of a golden era, with C. Krishniah Chetty creating exquisite jewellery not just for the Mysore royal family but also for over 21 royal houses, including the Nizam of Hyderabad, the Maharajas of Travancore, Gondal, Sandur, Dhrangadhra, Dharampur, Pudukkottai, Ramnad, and the Nawab of Savanur and more.
The Iconic GhandaBherunda Legacy
Among C. Krishniah Chetty’s most celebrated contributions is its association with the GhandaBherunda, the two headed mythical bird that became the emblem of the Mysore royal family. Commissioned by the Maharaja of Mysore, C. Krishniah Chetty crafted hundreds of award medals featuring the emblem, intricately set with rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and pearls in gold.Notable commissions include one made for "His Highness" (HH) and awarded to Sir C. V. Raman, the first Indian to be awarded the Nobel Prize for his pioneering work on the theory of scattering of light. Now called the Raman Spectroscope used in research and scientific laboratories till date around the world.
The Order of GhandaBherunda was instituted in 1892, as a prestigious honor for distinguished public servants, artists, philanthropists, and eminent citizens, further cementing C. Krishniah Chetty’s place in India’s regal and cultural history.
157 Years of Continuity, Not Just Survival
Today, as C. Krishniah Chetty marks 157 years of uninterrupted progress, it remains one of the few heritage jewellers that has evolved without abandoning its roots.
Despite changing times, C. Krishniah Chetty has maintained its identity, classic in design, uncompromising in quality, and deeply rooted in tradition. The brand seamlessly balances its brick and mortar legacy with a strong digital presence, ensuring accessibility to a new generation of customers.
A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
C. Krishniah Chetty’s longevity is built on adaptability. The brand continues to invest in modernization while preserving artisanal excellence. Its workforce, a mix of seasoned craftsmen and young designers, includes diamond experts, gold specialists, and skilled artisans trained in traditional techniques.
Beyond business, C. Krishniah Chetty is deeply committed to social impact. The group supports over 3,000 + underprivileged students, runs skill development programs through the C. Krishniah Chetty Institute of Fine Jewellery, and contributes to public welfare initiatives including deploying more than 30 traffic wardens in Bengaluru.
The Crystal Museum Salon, A Living Archive of Heritage
A landmark moment in C. Krishniah Chetty’s journey was the unveiling of the C. Krishniah Chetty Crystal Museum Salon on 9th July 2023. Conceptualized over two decades by Dr. C. Vinod Hayagriv, the museum is a culmination of years of research, documentation, and preservation.
The salon houses rare crystals, historic jewellery pieces, sketches, royal commissions, photographs, and archival documents that chronicle the brand’s association with the royal families of Mysore, the Deccan, Carnatic, and Central India.
Equipped with visual, electronic, and audio facilities, the museum serves as a research and learning space for students, historians, designers, and jewellery connoisseurs.
More than just a museum, it is a tribute to Bengaluru’s cultural heritage, a city that has been C. Krishniah Chetty’s home since 1869.
A Legacy That Lives On
As C. Krishniah Chetty celebrates its Founder’s Day, it is not merely marking 157 years of business. It is honouring a lineage of craftsmanship, trust, and tradition. In an era where brands rise and fall rapidly, C. Krishniah Chetty remains steadfast, proving that heritage, when nurtured with vision and innovation, can truly be timeless.
