History of the Stock market in India

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

 George Santayana

Hello Readers, in today's blog we are going to discuss the history of the stock market in the Indian context. This will help us give more in-depth into how the Indian market has changed so far in the contemporary sense.

The history of the stock market in India is a captivating saga that mirrors the nation's economic evolution. From humble beginnings in the 19th century to becoming one of the world's fastest-growing financial markets, India's stock market has undergone remarkable transformations. This blog will take us on an exploration of key milestones, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped India's stock market landscape. 

we are going to discuss the major events in the Indian stock market that have changed the path of the Indian stock market.


Major Events Of Stock Market:

1. Post-Independence Era

2. Establishment of Stock Exchanges: Formation of the BSE & NSE

3. Harshad Mehta Scam (1992)

4. Ketan Parekh Scam (2001)

5. Global Financial Crisis (2008)

6. Satyam Scandal (2009)

7. NSEL Scam (2013)

8. IL&FS Crisis (2018)

9. Yes Bank Crisis (2020)

10. COVID-19 Pandemic (2020)


Post-Independence Era

After gaining independence, India established stock exchanges of their own such as the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE). In the early years of post-independence, these markets were smaller compared to their global counterparts like NASDAQ, with limited trading activity, and only a small amount of companies were listed. Regulatory oversight was not up to the mark during this period investors had a big risk of market manipulation and fraud.

In response to these challenges, governments recognized the need for stronger regulatory frameworks to protect investor's interests and ensure market integrity. The establishment of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in 1988 was the response of the government to market manipulation and fraud. SEBI was tasked with overseeing stock exchanges, regulating intermediaries like brokers and merchant bankers, and safeguarding investor interests.

As regulatory frameworks strengthened and investor confidence grew in the market, the Indian stock market grew rapidly. The number of listed companies increased, trading volume grew, and new financial products were introduced to meet the evolving demand of investors and traders.

(source: edukemy)

Establishment of Stock Exchanges: Formation of the BSE & NSE


The BSE was established in the year 1875 and it's  Asia's oldest stock exchange. In the beginning, It was established as the Native Share and Stock Brokers' Association, the BSE has a deep history and heritage playing a big role in India's economic development. Over the years, the BSE has adapted to the changing market and dynamics of technological advancements. With its flagship index, the S&P BSE Sensex, the BSE serves as an Indicator of the Indian stock market's overall health and performance.

The NSE was established in the year 1992 and revolutionized the Indian stock market with its advanced electronic trading platforms. It quickly emerged as one of the major players, offering investors a transparent and efficient trading environment. The NSE's introduction of the National Stock Exchange Fifty (Nifty) index provided investors with a benchmark for tracking the performance of the Indian equity market, further enhancing its credibility and influence. Today, the NSE boasts a diverse array of listed companies spanning various sectors, making it one of the largest exchanges in India by trading volume and market capitalization.

(source: nseindiabseindia)

Harshad Mehta Scam 1992

The Harshad Mehta scam of 1992 stands as one of the biggest events in Indian financial history, exposing the shortcomings of regulatory bodies and shaking investor's confidence.

Harshad Mehta, also known as the "Big Bull". He exploited loopholes in the banking system to plan a massive securities fraud. Using forged bank receipts, Mehta obtained funds and pumped a significant portion into the stock market, artificially inflating stock prices through ready-forward (RF) deals.

As stock prices rose, Mehta's actions triggered a speculative reaction, drawing retail and institutional investors into the market. The bubble eventually burst, leading to a sharp market crash and substantial losses to retailers as well as institutions shaking them to the core.

The scam was discovered when a journalist, Ms.Suchita Dalal, exposed irregularities in banking transactions, leading to an investigation by regulatory authorities like SEBI and the RBI. The probe revealed collusion with bank officials and manipulation of stock prices through circular trading and price rigging.

The fallout from the scam compelled regulatory bodies to make reforms to strengthen oversight and transparency. The Securities Scam (1992) Inquiry Committee recommended measures to prevent future incidents, leading to tighter stock exchange regulation and enhanced bank supervision.

The Harshad Mehta scam was also shown with a great depth in the 2020 series Scam 1992: Harshad Mehta Story. 

(source:economictimes)

Ketan Parekh scam 2001

The Ketan Parekh Scam 2001 remains a significant episode in Indian financial history, echoing the Harshad Mehta scam 1992 and revealing persistent weaknesses in regulatory oversight.

Ketan Parekh was a well-known stockbroker who was often referred to as the "Pentafour Bull" exploited loopholes in the Indian financial system to execute a complex securities fraud. Parekh used a strategy known as "pump and dump" just like his Mentor Harshad Mehta wherein he artificially inflated the prices of select stocks through circular trading, stock manipulation, and collusive activities with big market players. He was the main reason the Kolkata Stock exchange was destroyed

Much like the Harshad Mehta scam, Parekh's actions fueled a speculative frenzy in the stock market, attracting retail investors, institutional players, and even banks to participate in the upward spiral of stock prices. The soaring prices created an illusion of the company performing well and lured unsuspecting investors into the market.

Soon, the bubble created by Parekh's manipulation eventually burst, leading to a sharp market decline and significant losses for investors. The scam came to light when irregularities in stock trading patterns and price movements caught the attention of regulatory authorities, including the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

The investigation revealed the extent of Parekh's fraudulent activities, including unauthorized trading, stock price rigging, and violation of regulatory norms

In the aftermath of the Ketan Parekh scam, regulatory authorities initiated a series of measures aimed at strengthening oversight and transparency in the financial sector. These included tighter regulation of stock exchanges, enhanced surveillance mechanisms, and stricter enforcement of securities laws.

(source: hindustantimes)

Global Financial Crisis 2008

The Global Financial Crisis (GFC) of 2008 was one of the most severe economic downturns in modern history, originating in the United States and rippling across the globe, affecting financial markets, economies, and livelihoods worldwide.

the crisis started from the bursting of the United States housing bubble, which was fueled by a combination of factors, including weak lending standards, subprime mortgage lending, securitization practices, and excessive risk-taking by financial institutions. As housing prices began to decline in 2006, mortgage defaults surged, leading to significant losses for banks and other financial institutions holding mortgage-backed securities. "The Big Short" a 2015 movie depicts this financial crisis in a detailed manner.

The Global Financial Crisis (GFC) 2008 had a profound impact on the Indian stock market, causing high volatility and disruptions. Despite India's relatively insulated position from the direct causes of the crisis, several factors contributed to its influence on the Indian financial landscape.

The Indian stock market experienced heavy volatility, characterized by sharp declines in stock prices and increased trading activity. Concerns about the global economic slowdown and financial instability led to a downturn in investor sentiment, causing selling pressure on Indian equities. 

The GFC prompted capital outflows from emerging markets like India as investors sought safer assets because of the uncertainty. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) removed funds from Indian equities, leading to further downward pressure on stock prices. These capital outflows highlighted the vulnerability of emerging market economies to shifts in global investor sentiment.

Despite the initial turmoil, the Indian stock market eventually got back on track as global financial conditions stabilized, and investor confidence improved. Government interventions and favorable domestic factors such as strong domestic consumption, helped restore investor optimism and support the recovery of stock prices.

(source:techopedia)

Satyam Scandal 2009


The Satyam Scam, also known as India's Enron, was a corporate scandal that hit the Indian financial markets in 2009. Satyam Computer Services, a leading IT outsourcing company, was found to have engaged in massive accounting fraud. Founder Ramalinga Raju admitted to showing inflated revenues, profits, and cash balances through fake bills and manipulated financial statements, revealing that reported cash reserves of over $1 billion were entirely fictitious.

The scandal sent shockwaves through the Indian stock market, causing Satyam's shares to plummet by over 80% in just two days. It raised serious concerns about corporate governance and financial transparency in India, ruining the reputation of the country's IT industry. Investigations by regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies uncovered evidence of widespread financial manipulation, leading to the arrest of Raju and other top executives.

The fallout from the scandal was extensive, with Satyam on the brink of collapse. The Indian government intervened to protect employees and clients. Satyam was eventually acquired by Tech Mahindra through a government-mediated process and rebranded as "Mahindra Satyam." 

(source: hindustantimes)


NSEL Scam 2013

NSEL was established as a platform for spot trading of commodities in India. It operated a complex financial product known as "pair trading" where investors were promised high returns on investments in commodities without actual delivery. Under this scheme, investors would buy a commodity on the exchange and quickly sell it for future delivery, profiting from the price difference. However, in reality, there were no underlying commodities.

The scam was exposed in July 2013 when NSEL defaulted on payments to investors, revealing that it had incurred massive liabilities of over ₹5,500 crores. The default caused panic among investors which led to investigations by SEBI. It was discovered that NSEL had facilitated illegal trades and allowed brokers and traders to manipulate the system, leading to the misappropriation of investor funds.


IL&FS Crisis 2018


IL&FS, a major non-banking financial company (NBFC) in India, played a crucial role in financing infrastructure projects across the country in 2018, IL&FS defaulted on its debt obligations, triggering a liquidity crisis and raising questions about the company's financial health. It was revealed that IL&FS had a massive debt burden, with liabilities exceeding assets by a vast margin.

The crisis caused a storm through the Indian financial markets and sparked fears of contagion, as IL&FS had significant exposure to various financial institutions and mutual funds. Credit rating agencies downgraded IL&FS  increasing concerns about the stability of the broader financial system. 

To address the crisis, the Indian government intervened and started a series of measures to stabilize IL&FS and prevent further systemic risks. A new board was appointed to oversee the restructuring of the company, and efforts were made to sell off assets and raise capital to repay creditors.


Yes Bank Crisis 2020



Yes Bank, one of India's biggest private sector banks, faced financial stress due to a combination of factors including bad loans and corporate governance issues. In March 2020, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) took an unpredictable action and placed Yes Bank under a moratorium, restricting withdrawals and imposing limits on cash withdrawals by depositors. 

The crisis at Yes Bank was magnified by its exposure to risky loans and stressed assets, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, real estate, and non-performing assets. 

The RBI intervened to stabilize Yes Bank and prevent a collapse that could have had far-reaching consequences for the financial system. A reconstruction scheme was made to rescue the bank, involving a group of leading Indian financial institutions and investors, including the State Bank of India (SBI), which gave capital to revive Yes Bank and restore depositor confidence.

 COVID-19 Pandemic 2020



The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 had a profound impact on the Indian stock market, causing widespread volatility. As the virus spread rapidly and lockdown measures were implemented nationwide, investor confidence dropped sharply, leading to a sharp decline in stock prices. Sectors such as hospitality, aviation, and retail were hit particularly hard, facing significant losses as consumer demand dwindled and businesses grappled with operational challenges.

On the other hand, certain sectors demonstrated resilience amidst the turmoil. Pharmaceuticals, information technology, and telecommunications saw increased demand for healthcare products, remote work solutions, and digital services, contributing to relative stability in their stock prices. The divergence in sectoral performance highlighted the varied impact of the pandemic on different segments of the economy.

To mitigate the economic fallout and stabilize the stock market, the Indian government and regulatory bodies intervened with measures. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) implemented monetary easing policies, including interest rate cuts and liquidity injections, to enhance liquidity and reduce borrowing costs for businesses. Additionally, fiscal stimulus packages were announced to provide financial support to affected sectors.

The Indian stock market gradually began to recover in the latter part of the year and into 2021. Optimism surrounding vaccine development, coupled with the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions and positive economic indicators, fixed investor sentiment. The resilience of India's domestic economy and strong investor interest in emerging markets further supported the market's upward movement.


In conclusion

The major events in the history of the Indian stock market, from its post-independence era to the challenges posed by scams, crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic, have shaped its evolution and resilience. Despite facing numerous setbacks, including fraudulent activities, financial crises, and unprecedented disruptions, the Indian stock market has showed remarkable adaptability and recovery. Regulatory reforms, government interventions, and technological advancements have played pivotal roles in safeguarding investor interests, enhancing market transparency, and promoting sustainable growth. As India continues its journey towards economic development and financial stability, the lessons learned from these events will serve as valuable guides in navigating future challenges and opportunities in the dynamic landscape of the stock market.

In the next blog, we will be discussing how you can select the stocks to trade in. Thanks for reading! Happy Investing!

this blog is just to provide theoretical knowledge about the stock market. Apply the methods in this on your own risk as the stock market is subject to market risk.

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