Ratan Tata (right) along with J R D Tata (second from right) during a visit to manufacturing facilities for the B1B bomber and the space shuttle. (Photo credit: Instagram/ Ratan Tata)
As the nation consoles Ratan Tata’s death, it is a moment to reflect on the monumental impact the Tata family has had across sectors, both in India and globally.
A towering figure in Indian business and philanthropy, Ratan Tata on October 9 breathed last at the age of 86 years, leaving behind him a vast legacy. His contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the country’s industrial landscape. Known for his humility, integrity, and remarkable leadership, his death is a shock for millions who admire his legacy of compassion and innovation. As the nation consoles Ratan Tata’s death, it is a moment to reflect on the monumental impact the Tata family has had across sectors, both in India and globally.
The Tata family is one of India’s most prominent and influential business families, known for founding the Tata Group, a multinational conglomerate.
Below is an overview of the key members of the Tata family tree:
1. Nusserwanji Tata (1822–1886)
Patriarch of the Tata family
He was a Parsi priest who ventured into business, laying the foundation for the family’s future ventures.
2. Jamshedji Tata (1839–1904)
Son of Nusserwanji Tata
Founder of Tata Group
Known as the “Father of Indian Industry,” he established key businesses in steel (Tata Steel), hotels (Taj Mahal Hotel), and hydropower.
3. Dorabji Tata (1859–1932)
Eldest son of Jamshedji Tata
Took over the Tata Group after Jamshedji’s death
He played a crucial role in setting up Tata Steel and other major ventures like Tata Power.
4. Ratanji Tata (1871–1918)
Younger son of Jamshedji Tata
Played a key role in expanding Tata business interests, particularly in cotton and textiles.
5. JRD Tata (Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata) (1904–1993)
Son of Ratanji Tata and Suzanne Brière (a Frenchwoman)
Chairman of Tata Group for over 50 years (1938–1991)
Founder of Tata Airlines, which later became Air India
Played a critical role in growing the Tata Group into a diversified multinational conglomerate.
6. Naval Tata (1904–1989)
Adopted son of Ratanji Tata
A significant figure in the Tata Group
His descendants include two prominent individuals in the Tata family today:
Ratan Naval Tata (b. 1937): Former Chairman of Tata Group (1991–2012, interim chairman in 2016–2017). He led the group’s global expansion and the acquisition of international brands such as Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley.
Noel Tata (b. 1957): Chairman of Tata International, involved in various Tata Group companies.
7. Ratan Tata (b. 1937)
Son of Naval Tata and Sooni Commissariat
Most well-known modern leader of the Tata Group
Known for his vision of making Tata Group a global name through acquisitions like Corus, JLR, and Tetley.
8. Noel Tata (b. 1957)
Half-brother of Ratan Tata
Has served as Chairman of Trent, the retail arm of the Tata Group, and has had a significant role in Tata International and other Tata enterprises.
The Tata family is known for philanthropy as much as for business. Many members of the Tata family have set up charitable institutions, research centres, and foundations, including Tata Trusts, one of the largest charitable organisations in India.
