In 1916, a group of public spirited citizens of Kolkata recognizing the need for an organization to assist in re-establishing cottage industries on a firm basis, founded the Bengal Home Industries Association and registered it under the Indian companies act VII (section 26) in 1917. The first Honorary secretary of this association was the renowned artist Sri Gaganendra Nath Tagore, who designed the very first scarf with a beautiful traditional motif. And even today that particular design is available at the showroom of the association – printed on sarees , dress materials and scarves.

The articles of Association and Memorandum show the broad and selfless outlook of the organizers. It is a non-profit sharing concern and the object and activities of the association in short are to promote and develop cottage industries, arts and crafts to help poor artisans by bying raw materials for them, advancing them money and marketing their goods, to establish and assist home industries, to promote exhibitions and showroom, to collect and furnish information with respect to home industries.