Synopsis The present book is a case study of one of the oldest surviving Bengali companies. P.M. Bagchi & Co. combined the main business of almanac and publication of books of serious and light reading with a wide range of popular products such as writing inks, types, rubber stamps and pad, hair oils, perfumes and various cosmetics, fruit syrups and both ayurvedic and allopathic medicines. Such a diversification was unique in the business tradition of Bengal, if not in India. This is a middle-sized business concern based on indigenous resources that emerged and developed in the Indian economic life as a national enterprise.