Meet man who was considered Ambani, Adani of Mughal era, had once helped Aurangzeb, he was...

Virji Vora was one of the most significant figures in India's commercial history and often hailed as the richest businessman during the Mughal era. Born around 1590 in Surat, he became a prominent merchant and financier for the British East India Company between 1617 and 1670.

Early Life and Business Ventures
Vora's business acumen allowed him to amass a personal fortune estimated at approximately Rs 8 million, a sum that, when adjusted for inflation, would surpass the wealth of contemporary billionaires such as Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani. His trading activities spanned a diverse range of goods, including spices, gold, cardamom, and opium. Vora's strategic approach to commerce involved purchasing entire stocks of products, which he would then sell at considerable profits.

During his time, Virji Vora was a successful trader and a crucial financier. He lent substantial amounts to the East India Company, including a notable loan of Rs 2,00,000. He was known for providing loans to various parties, including English merchants and even Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb during his military campaigns in the Deccan region.

Vora's influence reached far beyond India. He established a vast network of agents in key trading centers such as Agra, Burhanpur, Golconda, Goa, Calicut, Bihar, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Baruch. His business operations also extended to major port cities along the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, facilitating extensive trade across Southeast Asia.

Virji Vora died around 1670 but is still remembered for his immense wealth and role in shaping the economic landscape of his time.