World’s richest businessman ever was an Indian, Aurangzeb approached him for…richer than Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, Ratan Tata, his business was…

Virji Vora’s name is still taken as one of the richest businessmen in history, surpassing even today’s business tycoons.

Written by: Anirudha Yerunkar Edited by: Anirudha Yerunkar

Published: October 2, 2024, 4:32 PM IST

Share

Share Article

• Facebook
• WhatsApp
• X
• Email
• Telegram
• Linkedin

https://www.india.com/business/worlds-richest-businessman-ever-was-an-indian-virji-vora-aurangzeb-approached-him-forricher-than-mukesh-ambani-gautam-adani-ratan-tata-his-business-was-7292810/ Copy

In current times Indian industrialists like Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, and Ratan Tata have become synonymous with wealth. But there was Virji Vora, a legendary businessman who dominated India’s trade and finance during the Mughal era. Virji Vora, considered by some to be the wealthiest businessman in history,  whose wealth was far more than today’s businessmen. 

World’s Richest Businessman Financer For Britishers

Virji Vora’s business flourished between 1617 and 1670, during which he became a crucial financier for the British East India Company. Historical accounts reveal that he lent Rs 2,00,000 (a colossal sum in the 17th century) to the British traders. Born in 1590, by the peak of his career, he had accumulated a personal wealth of approximately Rs 8 million. When adjusted for inflation, this wealth would cross the net worth of today’s richest Indians.

Aurangzeb Reached Out To Richest Businessman

Not only was Vora a successful trader, but he was also a reputed money lender. The British East India Company and prominent English merchants also sought loans from him. His influence was such that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb is said to have turned to Virji Vora for financial aid during his campaign to conquer the Deccan region, according to a report by DNA.

Virji Vora’s business had a wide-ranging trade portfolio. He was a wholesaler who dealt in various high-demand commodities such as pepper, gold, cardamom, and other valuable goods. He was known for purchasing entire stocks of products, which he would then resell at significantly higher prices. This business strategy made him one of the most influential traders of his era.

Virji Vora’s Global Business Empire

Virji Vora’s influence extended far beyond India’s borders. His trading network stretched across major port cities in the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, and South-East Asia. His agents were in different cities across the world, in critical trade hubs, like Agra, Burhanpur, Golconda, Goa, Calicut, Bihar, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Baruch. He dominated trade routes and maintained a monopoly over certain commodities.