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Virji Vora Gujarati businessman: The business of Virji Vora flourished between the year 1617 and 1670. After the success of his business, he became a crucial financier for the British East India Company. Moreover, historical accounts reveal that the Gujarat businessman lent Rs 2,00,000 (a colossal sum in the 17th century) to the British traders. Here is the full story of Virji Vora, the Gujarati businessman who gave loans to Dutch East India Company and the British East India Company.
Talking about his business, Virji Vora had a wide-ranging trade portfolio. His business role included that of being a wholesaler dealing 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. With this business strategy, he soon became a big name in the business empire of India during the time. Notably, Virji Vora was World’s richest businessman at that time.
The East India Company (EIC) factory records describe Virji Vora as the richest merchant of his time, even referring to him as a “merchant prince.” According to the EIC, his wealth was estimated at Rs 80 lakh, an astonishing sum for that era.
While very little is known about the family background of Virji Vora, historians have mentioned that he belonged to the Srimali Oswal Porwal caste. Due to his deep involvement in religious affairs, Virji Vora was also honored with the title Samajapati/Sanghavi, a designation given to lay leaders who make significant contributions, such as temple construction or organizing large-scale pilgrimages.
Reports also mention instances where Vora gifted four Arab horses to Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Moreover, reports also have it that Virji Vora was a significant credit provider and client for both the Dutch East India Company and the British East India Company.
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