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.

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 at their facility using traditional masala-style methods. 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. You can find his contribution in the Journal tab.