Independence Day 2023 | Virji Vora: Gujarati trader who lent money to East India Company

Virji Vora from Gujarat's Surat was a business tycoon with close ties with the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and the East India Company.

Reports say that Vora, who peaked in the mid-1600s, had a net worth of nearly $8 million at the time. Records say he was one of the wealthiest businessmen in the 16th century.

Vora dominated the trading industry and dealt in goods like ivory, lead, opium and precious metals.

His business also went beyond India’s borders. Reports say he was active in southeast Asia, the Red Sea, and Persian Gulf port cities.

Vora was also reportedly involved in loan-giving and provided payouts to both the British and Dutch East India Company. The millionaire reportedly provided the EIC with a loan of Rs. 2,00,000 and 50,000 to the British outpost in Agra.

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Vora was also known to have strong ties with the Mughal empire. He reportedly gave four Arab horses to Mughal ruler Shah Jahan as a present. Historians believe Mughal emperor Auragzeb reached out to Vora and sought financial support.