HIstory of Indian Advertising agencies .....

The advertisement appeared during 18th century in the Hickely's Bengal Gazette, India's first newspaper, a weekly magazine. Advertising in the beginning was mainly for informative purposes rather than promotional reasons.

B.Dattaram & Co has to be the oldest agency in the advertising circuit in India establishing in 1905. In 1912 ITC, the giant tobacco company launched Gold Flake. In the 20's foreign advertising agencies entered the Indian market. Mergers and acquisition were seen to give rise to Ogilvy and Mather, Clarion etc. In 1929 J Walter Thompson (JWT) was established to service General motor Business.

Levers launched Dalda in 1939 and marketed it as an exclusive brand. A campaign format of advertising was particularly designed for the Indian market. Lux as we all know uses celebrity endorsements. In the same period HTA was the reincarnated name of JWT in India. It made Horlicks more relevant in India by introducing the Balanced nourishment concept.

The advertising group was thus formed in 1954. It motivated the advertising brotherhood with awards and brought the advertising circuit in a closer knit. from print to radio, advertising was exploring new avenues. 1967 witnessed first commercial on Vividh Bharathi.

Commercial television advertising began in 1976. But it was only in 1982 that Bombay Dying aired its first color TV commercial. Between 1985 and 86 a whooping 915 brands and services were visible in the Indian market.

Awards then came into being. Abbey is the award name christened by the advertising club. Cannes in France has become the biggest advertising award. Advertising on whole become the interesting career. Many students now professionalize in this field. These professionals are in demand as professional inputs to the industry only transcend it into the next level.