The group derives its origins from textile retailing and wholesaling and has an experience of over 100 years in the trade. Kalyan branched out into the field of Jewellery retailing in the year 1993 by opening its first store in Thrissur. The reason behind the Kalyan group's foray into business itself is quite unique and makes it interesting to read. The ancestors of the current management come from a pious background that comprised of priests, saints and advisors to kings. Hailing from the Tanjavur district of Tamilnadu, these ancestors had migrated to Kerala. The decision to start a business was taken in response to the call of one of the senior relatives of the clan, who was a Dewan to the Maharaja of Kochi, who believed 'Enterprise and business was necessary to create job opportunities and to make India self dependent'. He also believed that 'business should be fair with a social objective and not just for selfish motives'. The group still adheres to the founding principles of its forefathers and this explains the group's firm grounding in fair business practices and ethics.