K. Lakshminarayana Bhattar, popularly known as Bhima Bhattar was born in Udyavara, near Udupi in 1904.The young Bhima Bhattar moved to Alleppey to live with his brother in law, and used to help out at his restaurant, Girija Nivas, after school hours. He was saddened that he had to discontinue his further education at college due to financial difficulties and resolved that he would be financially independent. He started a small business of selling perfumes and cosmetics at Girija Nivas while working there. After his marriage to Vanaja, the young couple settled in Alleppey where Bhima realized that the profit from his fledgling business was insufficient for a comfortable life. One of his acquaintances mentioned to him that the demographic situation in Alleppey was congenial for a profitable business in silver jewellery, cutlery, and puja articles. It was when Bhima was mulling over this that a customer at the restaurant asked him whether Bhima could supply him with two silver tumblers. Now the only concern was how to procure the silver. Vanaja had a pair of heavy silver anklets that she gladly gave her husband when he told her of his quandary. Using these, Bhima had the tumblers made, and displayed these at the restaurant. Soon, demand for Bhima’s silver articles grew in leaps and bounds. It was at this stage that Bhima Bhattar met Madhavan Pillai and the duo started a business in gold jewellery called Alleppey Emporium. They parted ways a year later and Bhima started off on his own, dealing in gold and silver jewellery. Thus was laid the foundation of Bhima’s golden empire. Bhima’s honest practices ensured the rapid growth of his business. During World War II, when trade in gold jewellery of lower quality was rampant, Bhima’s 22 carat jewellery was the beacon of trust. With hard work and innovative practices, Bhima Jewellers of Mullakkal, Alleppey attained a legendary status.