Virji Vora was a prominent businessman during the Mughal rule in India. He was born in 1590 and passed away in 1670. He was involved in wholesale trading and reportedly amassed a personal wealth of about Rs 8 million, making him one of the wealthiest businessmen of his time in India.
Virji Vora engaged in business dealings with the British East India Company between 1629 and 1668, which contributed to the growth of his business empire. He was known as a “sole monopolist,” often buying entire stocks of products and selling them at significant profits. According to historical journals, Virji Vora used to deal in several products, including pepper, gold, cardamom and other things.
Additionally, Virji Vora was involved in money lending and would often provide loans to Englishmen who wanted to pursue their own private businesses. He was a wholesale trader and according to reports his personal wealth at that time was about Rs 8 million, which means that he was without doubt the richest businessman India has ever seen.
According to accounts, it is said that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who was facing financial difficulties during his campaign to conquer the Deccan region of India, sent an emissary to Virji Vora seeking financial assistance. Virji Vora had previously gifted four Arab horses to Mughal king Shah Jahan.
