Ratan Tata designed two iconic homes in Jamshedpur

Parvinder Bhatia

Jamshedpur: Two iconic houses in Jamshedpur, designed decades ago, tell the story of a young visionary who would go on to lead one of India’s most respected conglomerates—Ratan N. Tata.

Long before Ratan Tata became the legendary chairman of Tata Sons, he was a young architect with a degree from Cornell University, New York, eager to apply his skills in a city that already bore the mark of his family’s visionary efforts. Upon returning to India and joining Tata Motors (formerly TELCO) as a trainee, Ratan Tata brought with him not only his leadership potential but also his love for architecture. This passion resulted in two stunning houses on Road No. 10, Circuit House Area (East), Jamshedpur—houses that remain a tribute to his creative genius.

Designed in the American Prairie style, which emphasizes harmony with the environment, open spaces, and a seamless blend of indoors and outdoors, these homes stand out as elegant symbols of sophisticated yet simple architectural principles. The distinctive horizontal lines, flat roofs, and large windows reflect Ratan Tata’s modernist influence, a result of his exposure to international design philosophies during his time abroad.

What many Jamshedpur residents don’t realize is that these two houses, now landmarks on Road No. 10, were conceptualized by none other than Ratan Tata himself. The simplicity and beauty of these structures are characteristic of the man who designed them—modest yet deeply impactful.

Dr. T Mukherjee, former deputy managing director of Tata Steel, is one of the fortunate owners of one of these houses. Residing at 6A, Road No. 10, Mukherjee recalls the unique charm that drew him to the property. “Yes, it is true that the house where I stay was actually designed by Ratan Tata,” Mukherjee confirms. “I purchased my portion in 2007. I liked the design as it has open spaces, enough light, and places to sit out,” he fondly recalls.

The architectural layout of the house perfectly aligns with Ratan Tata’s vision—spaces that encourage tranquility, natural light, and connection with nature. Mukherjee’s home, like the other property on the same street, retains much of its original structure, preserving the authenticity of Tata’s vision. It’s a perfect blend of modern functionality and classic elegance.

The houses have interesting historical connections, further linking them to the Tata legacy. One of the homes was originally owned by Soli Devitre, the brother-in-law of Tata Sons director Jehangir Ghandy, and the other belonged to Cawas Mehta, a senior executive at Tata Steel, and his wife Perin C. Mehta, who played a pioneering role in founding Jamshedpur Women’s College.

These houses are more than just residential spaces—they are steeped in the history of Jamshedpur’s intellectual and industrial elite. They represent an era when the city was expanding, and when individuals who would go on to shape India’s future lived and thrived in close-knit communities.

Ratan Tata’s connection to architecture extends beyond these homes in Jamshedpur. Mukherjee recounts how Tata, during a casual conversation, mentioned that he had designed a house for his mother and his own beach bungalow in Alibaug, Mumbai, which faces the Arabian Sea. Both homes were crafted with the same care and precision that marked his earlier work in Jamshedpur.

These personal touches highlight Ratan Tata’s deep connection to architecture and design, something that was evident even during his early years at Tata Motors. His ability to translate aesthetic vision into reality is just another example of the multifaceted talent of the man who would later transform the Tata Group into a global powerhouse.

Today, the houses on Road No. 10 have been divided between two owners—Dr. Mukherjee and a Sakchi-based hotelier. Both have taken care to preserve the essence of the original structures, ensuring that Ratan Tata’s architectural legacy remains intact for future generations to appreciate.