Our Story

Berunda carries the unbroken legacy of the House of Mysore into the contemporary premium economy — using coffee as the vessel of that heritage.

A Re-emergence

Founded by Rajkumari Jayapalashri Anil — daughter of Her Highness Maharajkumari Meenakshi Devi Wadiyar and granddaughter of His Highness Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, the last ruling Maharaja of Mysore, with her son Dhushyant Anil— Berunda is the re-emergence of the legacy of our ancestors in commerce. Not nostalgic, not retro, but alive and contemporary.

A Name, A Provenance

Chosen by Dhushyant Anil, the name is a deliberate shortening of Gandaberunda, the mythical double-headed eagle that is both the royal insignia of the Wadiyar dynasty and the official emblem of Karnataka. By anchoring our name in the Gandaberunda, we signal something to every consumer steeped in Karnataka culture: this is not merely a product. It is a provenance.

The Last Maharaja

His Highness Maharaja Sri Jayachamraja Wadiyar of Mysore

r. 1940 – 1950

The last ruling Maharaja of Mysore — and a remarkable philosopher, statesman, musician, and patron of the arts. He guided Mysore’s peaceful integration into independent India while championing education, culture, and public welfare.

His influence reached the world’s concert halls: he personally financed recordings of the composer Nikolai Medtner, composed 94 Carnatic works of his own, and created an entirely new raga — Jayasamvardini.

“Whereas kings have become so upon assuming thrones, he became a great king by renouncing one.”

Kuvempu, on Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar

The Philosopher-King

His Highness Maharaja Sri Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar

r. 1902 – 1940

At the time of his death, the 24th Maharaja was among the wealthiest individuals on earth. Under his reign Mysore became the first state in Asia to produce hydroelectric power, built thousands of schools, and founded the University of Mysore and Mysore Bank.

Gandhi called him a Rajarshi — a saintly king — and the Mysore of his era was hailed across the world as a model of enlightened, modern governance. Lord Sankey in the 1930 London roundtable conference noted the Kingdom of Mysore to be one of the "best administered kingdoms in the world" under the Maharaja's reign.

Leadership

The Board of Directors

The stewards of the House of Berunda — carrying a royal lineage into a contemporary enterprise.

Rajkumari Jayapalashri Anil

Founder, Berunda Coffee

Granddaughter of His Highness Maharaja Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, the last ruling Maharaja of Mysore, Rajkumari Jayapalashri Anil is the founder of Berunda Coffee and a member of the House of Berunda. Having studied Psychology and spent much of her life travelling across the world, she developed a broad international perspective shaped by diverse cultures, traditions, and ideas.

A philanthropist, businesswoman, and patron of the arts, she holds a deep appreciation for philosophy, theatre, opera, and cultural exchange. Her vision for Berunda Coffee reflects a commitment to preserving heritage while creating experiences that celebrate Karnataka’s legacy in a contemporary world.

She speaks English, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, and German.

Anil Ashwath

Director, House of Berunda

Anil Ashwath is a member of the House of Berunda and an accomplished entrepreneur with extensive experience in manufacturing and industrial enterprise. Over the course of his career, he successfully scaled Ommi Forge Pvt Ltd and played a leading role in the establishment and growth of Dhuvish Forge.

His expertise in business development, operations, and long-term strategic planning has contributed significantly to the success of multiple ventures while supporting the family’s broader vision for the future.

Vishwajit Anil

Director, House of Berunda

Vishwajit Anil studied in Barcelona before joining Ommi Forge Pvt Ltd, where he serves as a Director. He also serves as a Board Director of the House of Berunda, contributing to the continued growth, development, and long-term vision of the family enterprise.

Combining an international outlook with a strong appreciation for heritage, he works towards building enduring institutions that honour tradition while embracing future opportunities.

Beyond his professional pursuits, he is passionate about wildlife photography, cricket, equestrianism, and classical piano.

In 2023, he married Nikita Da Costa, and in 2026 they welcomed their son, continuing the next chapter of the family’s legacy.

He speaks English, Kannada and French.

Dhushyant Anil

Non Exec Director, Founder, House of BerundaFounder, Non Exec Chair, Brand Custodian, Berunda Coffee

Based between London and Bengaluru, Dhushyant Anil represents the next generation of the House of Berunda. While completing his business education, he serves as a non-executive director, contributing to the development of the family’s ventures with a focus on long-term growth, innovation, and international engagement.

Deeply interested in diplomacy, public affairs, philanthropy, the arts, philosophy, and theatre, he is motivated by a desire to contribute meaningfully to society while helping shape the future of the House of Berunda and Berunda Coffee. His interests span philosophy, the arts, theatre, equestrianism, piano, wildlife, and travel, reflecting a lifelong curiosity about cultures, people, and ideas.

He speaks English, Kannada, French, Spanish, Italian,German, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Tamil, and amateur Japanese.

Baba Budan & the Seven Beans

Every cup traces back to a single act of devotion in the 17th century. The Sufi saint Baba Budan hid seven coffee beans in his beard on his return from Mecca, and planted them on the slopes of the Chandragiri Hills in Chikmagalur. From that single planting, coffee spread across the Western Ghats. Berunda is their descendant — in both lineage and land.

Today our coffee is sourced chiefly from the Biligiriranga Hills (BR Hills) — country that lay within the Kingdom of Mysore under Wadiyar rule, where the indigenous Soliga people have shade-grown coffee for generations. A secondary lot comes from the historic estates of Chikmagalur, and Coorg joins the House of Berunda next.

The House of Berunda