Rajshree Upadhyaya
Jaipur
Business Remedies. Shantilal J. Savani and Ram Savani established Savani Heritage Conservation with the mission of restoring India’s historic monuments. Across India, cities and towns are filled with historic buildings that showcase centuries-old culture, craftsmanship, and architectural brilliance. However, preserving these iconic structures requires specialized skills and a deep understanding of traditional construction techniques. Savani Heritage Conservation emerged as a company devoted to this mission.
The firm was founded in Mumbai in 1995 by Shantilal J. Savani. It began as a small restoration venture led by a craftsman who had spent years working in masonry and construction. Over time, it evolved into a major heritage conservation company focused on repairing and preserving some of India’s most historically significant structures.
Shantilal J. Savani’s journey began with construction work and traditional masonry. While working on older structures, he developed a deep understanding of the techniques used in historic architecture. Many heritage buildings across India were deteriorating due to neglect and the gradual disappearance of traditional craftsmanship. Savani realized that restoring such monuments required more than regular construction work. It demanded patience, historical research, and the ability to recreate original materials and techniques. This realization inspired him to establish Savani Heritage Conservation, with the goal of protecting India’s architectural heritage through specialized restoration work.
Company became
known for handling complex restoration projects
Over the years, the company steadily grew and became a family-run business. Shantilal’s nephew, Ram Savani, joined the venture and helped expand operations by bringing more structure and scale to the company’s projects. Later, the third generation of the family, Jagrut Savani, also joined the business.
Together, they transformed the firm into a dedicated heritage conservation enterprise that operates across multiple regions of India. Over time, the company developed expertise in heritage monument restoration, architectural conservation, stone façade restoration, structural strengthening of historic buildings, and the conservation of artwork and decorative elements. These services involve carefully repairing structures while preserving their original design and historical authenticity. Savani Heritage Conservation gradually became known for taking on complex restoration projects that require specialized knowledge and highly skilled craftsmen.
The company has worked on hundreds of heritage projects across India, including restoration work on historic buildings, educational institutions, religious structures, and public monuments. Their approach often includes studying the original construction materials and techniques before beginning restoration, ensuring that the structure retains its authenticity. Traditional materials such as lime mortar and hand-carved stone are often used to replicate the original design of the buildings being restored.
Heritage conservation sector gained greater recognition
The company attracted widespread attention when members of the Savani family appeared on the television show Shark Tank India Season 4. During their pitch, they explained how heritage restoration can also be developed into a sustainable business model.
They shared that a large portion of their projects comes from government restoration contracts, while the remaining work comes from private institutions and heritage property owners. At the time of their appearance on the show, the founders revealed that the company had already achieved significant financial growth and was managing restoration projects across the country.
During the pitch, the founders asked for Rs. 3 crore in exchange for 1 percent equity, valuing the company at Rs. 300 crore. After negotiations with the investors, entrepreneur Ritesh Agarwal offered a deal of Rs. 1 crore for 0.8 percent equity along with Rs. 2 crore as debt at 10 percent interest. The founders accepted the offer, making it one of the most notable deals of the season and bringing greater visibility to the heritage conservation sector.
Company sets ambitious goals for the future
Today, Savani Heritage Conservation continues to operate and work on restoration projects across India. The company has set ambitious goals for the future, including expanding its work to restore a larger number of heritage structures and training new craftsmen in traditional conservation techniques.
Through its work in heritage restoration, architectural conservation, and the preservation of historic structures, the company has demonstrated that protecting cultural heritage can also become a successful and sustainable business.
From a small masonry venture to a nationally recognized restoration firm, Savani Heritage Conservation illustrates how craftsmanship, history, and entrepreneurship can come together to preserve India’s architectural heritage for future generations.
