ISBN: 9780143424055    Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd Year of publishing: 2015     Format:  Paperback No of Pages: 224        Language: English

In the nineteenth century, a tiny community from the deserts of Rajasthan spread out to every corner of India. The Marwaris controlled much of the country's inland trade by the time of the First World War. They then turned their hand to industry and, by the 1970s, owned most of India's private industrial assets. Today, Marwari businessmen account for a quarter of the Indian names on the Forbes billionaires list. What makes the Marwaris so successful? Is it their indomitable enterprise, or their incredible appetite for risk? In this new book, Thomas Timberg shows how the Marwaris rely on a centuries-old system for conserving and growing capital which has stood them in good stead, alongside a strong sense of business ethics which has earned them respect. Family businesses in general and the Marwaris in particular might have a vital role to play in shaping India's economic future. 'An engaging study of India's leading business community strong [and] researchdriven imparts useful business lessons' - Hindu BusinessLine Key Features: 'A great read for anyone interested in getting a better understanding of Indian business history' - Business India
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Thomas A. Timberg is a scholar and consultant on economic development. His writings cover subjects ranging from Baghdadi Jews in India to contemporary microfinance and Islamic finance. His Harvard doctoral dissertation was on the Marwaris as industrial entrepreneurs, and he has continued to follow the affairs of the members of this community.
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