The BSE Sensex, launched in 1986 with a base value of 100, has evolved from a reflection of India's closed economy to a barometer of its transformation. Initially comprising industrial conglomerates and reflecting limited growth, the index has compounded at approximately 15% annually over four decades, driven by liberalization, foreign capital, and emerging sectors. It has weathered economic crises and policy shifts, symbolizing India's adaptation and advancement on the global stage.