Kolkata is the land of Bengalis—this is a fact that is known to everyone. But how many of us know about the fact that other than Bengalis, it is the Marwaris who make up for a huge population in Kolkata? The Marwaris are traders who originally hail from Marwar (the desert region of Rajasthan), who, for business purposes, have spread far and wide in India. However, it is Kolkata where you will find innumerable Marwaris settled for generations. Here is a look at the Marwaris of Kolkata.

The ‘Business Hub’ Kolkata

In bygone ages, Kolkata was a very important port (still now, it is). So, naturally, trade and commerce were very well developed in this part of India. Traders from Java, Sumatra and Bali would come to Kolkata for trade and commerce. And, as said earlier, the Bengalis are the least business-minded people on the surface of the earth, so, there was a community needed who would be able to get all the benefits of trade. Hence, came in the Marwaris, and slowly but steadily, flourished almost an empire in here.

The Marwari fraternity

If one Marwari settles in some distant land and achieves success, then he would invariably call his peers and even friends! If possible, he would call all the other Marwaris on earth, such is their fraternity. Sadly, we’re not equating, the Bengalis don’t have this quality, as a result of this, the Marwaris are able to spread their business far and wide in Kolkata.

Jagat Seth

The Marwaris came and settled in Bengal much before the British settled here. Jagat Seth was a chief right-hand-man of Nawab Siraj-Ud-Daullah. In fact, he was the one who managed all the economy and accounts related manner of the state under the Nawab. This shows how much dependent the Marwaris were in matters related to money and economy. After all, you cannot just depend on any random person in these matters—and, if it’s a Marwari who’s your money manager, then you can never have losses.

Friendly People

Although business minded and strict, Marwaris are generally very friendly people who would do anything to keep their customers and subordinates happy. They are a clan who would never raise their voices upon you if you’re a senior (in age and experience). If you’re working under them, and working quite efficiently, they would go to any extent to keep you happy—they would take care of not only you but also of your entire family. Besides, if you come across any problem—personal or professional—they would make it a point to hear you out and do the needful.

Respectful

The Marwaris might have their own festivals and rituals, but they would never smirk at yours (unlike many others)! Their goodness lies in their tolerance of the faith of each and every subordinate they have. This is surely a winner, especially in Bengal, where people are believed to celebrate 13 festivals in 12 months! They have accepted the rituals and the culture of others and they aren’t hesitated to share their own culture.