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The Watumull Legacy: From Hyderabad to Hawaii – A Century of Success
Team Finance Saathi
21/Dec/2024
What's covered under the Article:
- The beginnings of Jhamandas Watumull and his migration to Hawaii.
- The rise of the Watumull family business empire.
- Legacy of the Watumulls in real estate, retail, and philanthropy in Hawaii.
The story of Jhamandas Watumull, a Hyderabad-born businessman, is a testament to resilience, vision, and entrepreneurship. In 1914, at just 29 years old, Watumull migrated to Hawaii from Hyderabad, India, marking a pivotal moment in the history of Indian migration to the U.S. As the first known Indian businessman to settle in Hawaii, he opened a retail store in Honolulu, laying the foundation for a business empire that would span over a century. Alongside his partner Dharamdas, he founded the East India Store, which quickly became a fixture in the Honolulu retail scene.
The Early Struggles and Growth of Watumull's Business
Watumull’s journey was not without its struggles. Born in Hyderabad, then a British colony in India, he was thrust into responsibility early in life after an accident left his father, a brick contractor, paralyzed. At just 14, Watumull became the eldest of nine children, and his family's financial situation changed dramatically. Moving first to Manila to work in textile mills, Watumull eventually found his way to Hawaii after the Philippine economy faltered due to World War I.
In Hawaii, Jhamandas Watumull opened his first retail store with Dharamdas, selling a variety of goods imported from East and South Asia, including silk, ivory, crafts, and brassware. The store, later known as the East India Store, also became one of the first to sell Aloha shirts—a popular souvenir for tourists. The success of this retail venture led to the expansion of the store into a full-line department store on Fort Street in Honolulu, making Watumull a prominent figure in the island’s business community.
A Legacy of Growth and Expansion
The business continued to flourish, especially after Dharamdas's death in 1916. Jhamandas's brother, Gobindram, joined the business in 1917, and the family expanded their investments, including a clothing manufacturing factory called Royal Hawaiian Manufacturing. In 1937, they built the Watumull Building, which housed the company's headquarters. By 1957, the Watumulls owned 10 stores, a Waikiki apartment house, and other commercial developments. The number of their stores reached 29 by 1973, showcasing their extensive influence in the Hawaiian retail industry.
During World War II, when tourism dropped and military personnel became the primary customers, the Watumull business shifted focus. Their garment industry sales were restricted to local markets due to interruptions in shipments from the U.S. mainland. Nevertheless, Watumull adapted, selling merchandise from Hawaii and the U.S. mainland, with a focus on women’s apparel.
Contributions to Hawaiian Fashion and Culture
One of the most notable contributions of the Watumull family to Hawaiian culture was their role in the creation of the Aloha shirt. In 1936, Gobindram Watumull commissioned his sister-in-law, Elsie Jensen, to design the first Hawaiian floral patterns. This collaboration led to the creation of the first custom-made Aloha shirt. Watumull's store, then known as the East India Store, became one of the first on the island to carry these unique designs, which quickly gained popularity among tourists.
The Aloha shirt became synonymous with Hawaii's relaxed, island-style lifestyle, and the Watumull family’s contributions to this iconic garment are a significant part of the island's fashion history.
Philanthropy and Civic Engagement
In addition to their business success, the Watumull family has also been deeply involved in philanthropy and community development. They established several local educational and philanthropic institutions, including the Rama Watumull Fund, the J. Watumull Estate, and the Watumull Foundation. These foundations supported various causes, from education to women’s rights.
Ellen Watumull, the wife of Gobindram Watumull, was particularly active in the League of Women Voters in Hawaii, advocating for the repeal of the Cable Act of 1922, which stripped American-born women of their U.S. citizenship if they married non-citizens. Ellen was also involved in organizing the first International Planned Parenthood Conference in India in collaboration with Margaret Sanger.
The Watumull Legacy Today
The Watumull family remains one of the wealthiest and most influential families in Hawaii, with their legacy continuing through generations of real estate development, retail businesses, and philanthropic efforts. Today, Jhamandas Watumull’s descendants continue to lead the family business, with Jhamandas Watumull serving as the vice president of Watumull Properties, the real estate arm of the family’s business empire.
As one of the most successful immigrant stories in Hawaiian history, the Watumull family has left an indelible mark on both the local economy and culture, blending their Indian heritage with the vibrant life of Hawaii.