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30 Apr, 2025
In 2025, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) will mark a monumental milestone — its 150th anniversary. What began as a humble cotton trading circle under a banyan tree in 1855 has since evolved into one of the world’s largest and most influential stock exchanges.
A Humble Beginning That Made History
Long before the digital age of high-speed trading, a small group of traders gathered under a banyan tree in South Mumbai to trade cotton. This informal market laid the groundwork for a financial revolution. By July 9, 1875, this circle of brokers formally established the Native Share and Stock Brokers’ Association, which would later become the BSE — a full three years before the Tokyo Stock Exchange, making it Asia’s oldest stock exchange.
Among the key visionaries behind this transformation was Premchand Roychand, famously known as the “Cotton King of Bombay.” The association initially had 318 members, each admitted for a symbolic fee of just one rupee — a small price that would yield enormous historical dividends.
A Legacy of Growth and Transformation
The BSE's physical evolution mirrors its financial ascent. In 1928, the land on Dalal Street where BSE now stands was acquired, and construction began in 1930. After India gained independence, the exchange received official recognition in 1957 under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act (SCRA).
The iconic Phiroze Jeejeebhoy Towers, named after the BSE chairman who served from 1966 to 1980, was completed in 1970. The building remains a symbol of trust and stability in India’s financial architecture.
Milestones That Redefined Indian Finance
In 1986, BSE introduced Sensex, India’s first stock market index, with a base of 100. The Sensex has since become a barometer of India's economic health, crossing:
1,000 in 1990
5,000 in 1999
20,000 in 2007
And an all-time high of 80,000 in 2024. These milestones are not just numbers — they represent the aspirations and growth of a nation on the rise.
Embracing the Future with a New Identity
As part of its 149th Foundation Day celebrations in 2023, BSE unveiled a new logo, symbolizing prosperity, vibrance, growth, and fresh beginnings. The event, held on July 10 at the BSE International Convention Hall, opened with a traditional bell-ringing ceremony — a nod to its rich traditions and future-forward vision.“On this special occasion, as a lead-up to our 150th Foundation Day, we are proud to present a new logo. It represents prosperity, vibrance, growth, and new beginnings, while also highlighting our continued trust and increased responsibility,” BSE said in a statement.
A Global Financial Giant
From a cotton bazaar to a capital markets titan, the BSE today is a global leader. With over 4,100 listed companies and a staggering market capitalisation of ₹419 lakh crore, it stands tall among the world’s largest exchanges.As BSE prepares to celebrate its 150th year, it’s not just a moment to honor the past — it's a celebration of resilience, innovation, and India's rise as a financial superpower.
