The Legacy of The Braganza's

Braganza & Co. that now stands proud on Marquis street, Kolkatta has risen from humble beginnings. Today, it is the primary music store in the city and true to its slogan, “Everything Musical” is a dealer of pianos, electric and acoustic guitars, drum sets, manuscript books and a host of other music related paraphernalia.
It is interesting to go back in time, re-live the days that put this enterprise in operation and more importantly the people who were behind it all. It all began when Francis and Thomas Braganza, an amazing partnership of brothers invested in a venture that they could only dream would become as huge a success as they witnessed later in life.

Already, musicians in several bands, Francis a drummer and Thomas a saxophonist would play several nights a week at clubs in the city. The profession was certainly not “paying” and compelled by the needs of growing families, the two brothers realized the necessity of an additional source of income. The owner of the music store where they were employed part-time, was handing over his business to his own son and so the Braganza brothers did what they only knew best- set up a music business of their own. They began by buying old pianos, refurnishing and repairing them and then renting them out. With the beginning of the world war, the demand for musical instruments, from British soldiers only grew. Also, distress sales of instruments owned by many British families helped the brothers to set up shop. Thomas was quick to learn the technical operations of the musical instruments and taught the trade to a few other employees. Francis, the naturally charismatic, people-loving person was equivalent to an entire marketing team! And this is what was so utterly mesmerizing about the partnership. In their starkly different personalities, the brothers complimented each other and together saw the business grow before their eyes. Having taken off to good start, the income from the business went toward buying a small plot of land on 1/6 Collin Lane where now stands tall, “The Braganza Building”. A flat was built for each of the two brothers and their families and later a second floor was added. This enabled them to move out of the small place at 5 Collin lane where they were formerly residing as paying guests.

Is this another remarkable rags to riches story? Undeniably. As I recall my grandfather, Francis Xavier Braganza tell stories of his childhood, it only re-instates the admiration that I feel for him. He told us of how he was adopted by an uncle, taken away from his home in Goa, to live in Rangoon after his father died. At the age of 9 or 10, an earthquake forced them to flee to Calcutta and this is where he made his life, ever since. Money was short and hardly enough to go around for little luxuries like a “haircut”. He would have his hair finely cropped so that it would see him through the next few months. His pants were made a size too large, so that he would not outgrow them quickly. Yes, it is these little sacrifices that made him a man of character. And a man who will be remembered for his determination, sincerity and goodwill.

Today, Braganza & Co. has passed into the hands of the next generation. Music is in the blood and it is a tradition, that every Braganza must learn a musical instrument. Thus, with music in our hearts and in our souls we carry with pride, the Braganza name.