When did Motilal Banarsidass start as a bookshop in Lahore?
Motilal Banarsidass started as a bookshop in Lahore in 1903. Lala Motilal Jain borrowed 27 rupees from his wife's knitting savings to launch the shop in Said Mitha Bazar.
Questions about Motilal Banarsidass
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who founded the Motilal Banarsidass publishing house?
Lala Motilal Jain founded the Motilal Banarsidass publishing house. The shop was named after his eldest son, Motilal Banarsidass Jain, and focused exclusively on selling Sanskrit books.
Where did Motilal Banarsidass relocate after the Partition of India in 1947?
Motilal Banarsidass relocated to Delhi in 1958 after the Partition of India in 1947. The family initially sought refuge in Bikaner and Patna before moving to Varanasi in 1950 and setting up a new shop in 1951.
When was Shantilal Jain awarded the Padma Shri by the government of India?
Shantilal Jain was awarded the Padma Shri by the government of India in 1992. This honor marked the first time a publishing house received such recognition for outstanding community service through publishing.
How many titles does the Motilal Banarsidass catalog include today?
The Motilal Banarsidass catalog includes over 30,000 titles today. These works cover subjects ranging from Sanskrit grammar to Indian philosophy, Buddhism, and yoga.
What percentage of Motilal Banarsidass turnover comes from exports?
Approximately 75% of Motilal Banarsidass turnover comes from exports. This international reach allows the company to connect with scholars and institutions around the world.