India: The New Crorepathis

To many Indians, Marwari is a word used to suggest that someone is miserly or grasping. But among Indian businessmen, the word must be used with caution. Though widely disliked, India's Marwaris are a tough and able people who have spread all over India from their ancestral home in the Marwar region of Rajasthan State, becoming a powerful and growing force in commerce and finance. India's shrewdest small businessmen for many years, they have now moved inexorably into big business. Marwaris control 60% of Calcutta's commerce and industry, 45% of Bombay's. They hold half the capital in the Indian...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!