ABOUT HSIS
A Life That Transformed Cities and Touched Generations
Hajee Sir Ismail Sait (1859–1934) was one of South India’s most influential industrialists and philanthropists.
From a young newspaper boy in Mysore, he rose to build one of the region’s earliest multi-sector business empires — spanning retail, mining, timber, railways, textiles, and international trade.
He founded The English Warehouse, owned South India’s largest sawmill, introduced kerosene distribution to the region, and later became a respected civic leader, hospital builder, mosque founder, and benefactor to thousands.
His legacy continues to live on through the institutions he built — and the lives he uplifted.
4 PILLARS OF HIS LEGACY
The Four Pillars of His Extraordinary Legacy
Industrial Visionary
Built South India’s earliest hypermarket chain, operated mines in KGF & Shimoga, introduced kerosene distribution, owned major factories, and served as Director of Carnatic Mills, Mysore Bank Ltd, Mysore Iron Works, and more.
Philanthropist of the People
He built or funded hospitals, mosques, schools, reading rooms, orphanages, maternity wards, and community halls — many still serving people a century later.
Civic Leader & Nation Builder
Nominated to the Madras Legislative Council (1911), Magistrate of Bangalore, Chairman of Mysore Chamber of Commerce, and respected leader across public institutions.
Globally Honored Humanitarian
Knighted by King George V (1925), awarded OBE, KCSI, GCIE, Kaiser-i-Hind, and honored by the Maharaja of Mysore as Fakhr-ut-Tujjar (Pride of Merchants).
From Newspaper Boy to Knighthood
A quick look at the milestones from 1859 to 1934.
1859:
Born in Mysore
1879:
Opens The English Warehouse at KGF
1880s:
Expands into timber, mines, textiles
1895:
Famine relief — imports grain, feeds thousands
1911:
Madras Legislative Council nomination
1925:
Knighted by King George V
1927:
Chief Guest at Russell Market inauguration
1934:
Passes away at TB Sanatorium he helped fund
KGF: The City That Shaped Him — and the City He Uplifted
He made significant contributions to the Kolar Gold Fields, establishing thriving businesses that provided employment and supported the local mining community. His philanthropic efforts led to the construction of schools and public parks, enriching the lives of many. He also played a key role in industrial development by establishing a sawmill and other vital infrastructure, and provided crucial famine relief during times of hardship
A Key to the City’s History
This commemorative silver key was presented to Hajee Sir Ismail Sait on 5 August 1927 during the inauguration of Bangalore’s iconic Russell Market.
Crafted by C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons, it stands as a symbol of the city’s admiration for his service.
A City Remembers Him
On 9 March 2025, The Bangalore Room hosted “The Munificent Memon of Mosque Road,” a special event remembering HSIS.
A full house of Bangaloreans gathered to celebrate his contributions — a testament to how deeply his legacy continues to resonate.
