Malaan Gaudhoop Co. is an Indian incense maker founded by Alok Pandey, developed as a subsidiary of the Gaolao Breeding Centre, a conservation initiative dedicated to protecting the endangered Gaolao cow breed of central India. The brand grew from a practical question: how to create meaningful, sustainable work around conservation without relying on the dairy economy alone.

Through extended research and experimentation, Alok developed a distinctive incense base made from activated biochar derived from processed cow dung. Rather than using raw material directly, the dung is dried, carbonised, activated and stabilised, producing a clean-burning, porous biochar that performs exceptionally well as a carrier for fragrance. This material forms the foundation of all Malaan Gaudhoop dhoop.

Malaan’s approach to incense is strongly informed by modern perfumery, with a clear emphasis on fragrance performance, structure and balance. Natural resins, balsams, halmaddi, honey and real sandalwood powder are combined with carefully constructed, IFRA-compliant fragrance reconstitutes, developed in collaboration with experienced industry professionals. Sustainability is treated as a given; quality and clarity come first.

All Malaan Gaudhoop incense is handcrafted in small batches using traditional masala-style methods. Much of the work is carried out by women who are able to contribute from home, allowing the brand to combine skilled handwork with meaningful employment. The resulting dhoops are deliberate, technically considered and distinctive — incense made for those who approach fragrance as a craft, not a novelty.

Alok Pandey continues to be closely involved in both formulation and philosophy, and will be contributing writing to our journal, offering a deeper view into the thinking, process and values behind Malaan Gaudhoop.