The Man Who Made Bombay Rich- The Untold Story | RN Bhaskar

In this video, RN Bhaskar is sharing an untold story of David Sassoon who completely changed Bombay trajectory with his Business Mind.
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Footnotes for the Sassoon podcast
India has been fortunate for having long spells of relative calm. This was usually when the government (by rulers, or the British, or post Independence by an elected government) was capable of ensuring both law and order and amity. That allowed people of all races, creeds and religions to coexist in harmony. That in turn allowed regions to blossom.
This is what happened with Surat during Aurangzeb’s reign which ended in 1707. Surat was a vibrant city. It had a port, was the centre for the best quality yarns which got exported across the world, had a robust money market, managed by the money merchants (shroffs) who financed trade across India and even overseas with their hundis (a type of credit note).
Once Aurangzeb died in 1707, law and order worsened. Money merchants and businessmen began fleeing Surat. Many came to Bombay (now Mumbai). The Britih promised law and order and peaceful coexistence. Business flourished,
Nor surprisingly, when the business environment became turbulent in Baghdad, David Sassoon opted to come to Mumbai. He began trading in textiles, then cotton, and then opium. His second son Elias stationed himself in Shanghai, China and began doing business from there. He along with another Jew named Kadoorie made Shanghai an international trading centre. Kadoorie later helped develop Hong Kong.
But Sassoon also focussed on building synagoes, schools, hospitals and further grew his businesses. His contributions to the most important landmarks in Bombay and Poona (now Pune) are by now legendary.
Later, he decided to set up textile mills - around 17 of them - in Mumbai, accounting for 60% of Mumbai’s workforce.
But not happy with Bombay’s climate, he moved to Poona, where he built synagoes, schools hospitals and a crematorium for Jews. He and his wife are buried there.
His eldest son, Albert, became the “Landlord of Bombay”. But after his father’s death, he opted to travel to Europe, where he got married into the Rothschild family, and built his fortunes there. Bombay was forgotten. The business here was carried on by his younger brother Sueliman, and by Sarah after his death. After she died, the empire fragemented and its pieces wee pcked up by other businessmen.
Sassoon’s story can be found - in pieces - in different books. The ones that I found most useful are:
• The Global Merchants: The Enterprise and Extravagance of the Sassoon Dynasty by Joseph Sassoon -- www.amazon.in/Global-Merchant...
• The Last Kings of Shanghai: The Rival Jewish Dynasties That Helped Create Modern China by Jonathan Kaufman -- www.amazon.in/Last-Kings-Shan...
• The Sassoons: The Great Global Merchants and the Making of an Empire by Joseph Sassoon -- www.amazon.in/Sassoons-Global...
Also see asiaconverge.com/2019/10/davi...

[@jmulraj]

R N Bhaskar is a master narrator with a wealth of knowledge and an ability to connect the dots.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Many Thanks for the compliment! Really means a lot ♥️

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Pranam, mahaguruji

[@rkcoral]

RNM: this is a fantastic story, which I never heard before.

[@cedricvaz6112]

Yes Sir. David Sassoon is very underrated in Mumbai but his contribution to Bombay is immense. We can still see today the Sassoon Docks, David Sassoon synagogue and school and the David Sassoon Library.! Also didn't know that the Bombay Port Trust railway was his brainchild ! The real Jews of India may have long ago gone to Israel but their legacy still remains here. 🙏

[@jessicamahadevan1458]

Interesting info in a nutshell about David Sassoon’s contribution to Bombay and a timely reminder of what it takes to help a city grow-peace, amity, law & order. Thanks

[@asiaconverge]

Many thanks,

[@deepakmudbidri1237]

Thank you very much Mr.Bhaskar, we were absolutely unaware of the history of David Sassoon and his immense contribution towards the prosperity of India by the way of trading, manufacturing of cotton & allied products in Calcutta, Ahmedabad & Bombay and also setting up educational institutions in Mumbai , development of Shanghai,Hong kong etc.Thank you once again for sharing this valuable info.

[@mahendrazaveri5490]

We were absolutely unaware history' of David sasoon. Thanks.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

I came across the Sassoon history by accident as well. A friend wanted to know more about him, which started my quest into his past, more as a hobby than as a vocation./.I found his life so interesting and compelling that I decided to make a podcast on him.

[@margegubbay3965]

Excellent tribute to David Sassoon, makes me proud thanks,

[@Dori1951]

Hello Marge! Dori ex-Bombay🙂

[@asiaconverge]

Many thanks.

[@asiaconverge]

Many thanks.

[@alisha.attarwala]

I got sent your video on WhatsApp by a family friend. I forwarded it to my parents, and my father (Prof. Abbasi Attarwala) remembered you fondly. This was the message he sent me: Bhaskar and I were working in Hinduja college in 1978 and use to get a tiffin from a Bhori aunty and share. Nostalgia BTW - I have a very low attention span, but I sat through your entire video. You are a fantastic orator, and a wonderful storyteller.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

He is an old friend. Please give him my greetings. And I am glad to be conencted with you here. :-)

[@alisha.attarwala]

⁠@@bhaskarkibusinessbaateinHappy to connect with you, as well. Daddy sends his greetings to you, too. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos. Take care 😊

[@rpatel0074able]

Mr R N Bhaskar thanks for posting , you are excellent narrator, i have grew up in Bombay, i knew there was great deal of presence of parsi community in Bombay those days - yes i knew david sasson dock in Bombay thought some british name . we didn't knew history never taught in school - i am 73 yrs old- just taught mughal history- you said any business will come to countries, city only stable , friendly government policy you are 100% correct- this is today Mr Modi BJP policy- also i have read even today israeli jews love india 🇮🇳 because india is the only country where jews never prosecuted because this very reason many jews favorite destination for vacations is india after their military services. Jai hind , jai Bharat 🙏

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

The Parsis and the Marwaris too have done much for India. But I decided to tell the story of a man India has by and large forgotten.

[@comesthru]

Biggest mistake Abdulla did in 1875 was to move to UK in 1875 mainly to integrate into high society of UK and turn into a rich white family. Unfortunately Sassoons never reached the level of wealth they had in India. Over the decades that followed Sassoons divested from their businesses in India not wanting to be considered as Indians. Alas they became over the decades a faint memory of their earstwhile power and wealth. Had they stayed in India, they would have been Tatas. As we speak, today the whole Sassoon businesses are worth $100 billion whereas Tata businesses stand at $382 billion.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

To each his own. Abdullah/Albert wanted to be with the Europeans, and even rub shoulders with the royal family in the UK.. With the Rothschild connection he could do this.

[@RoxannaMoos2014]

Yes isn't it amazing how we humans ' desires for greed, power and control and their own idea of "prestige" of being/ mingling with the "Whites" has brought down folks from all races in the world! Wake up people and try sharing equally in all aspects of life ! WE ARE ALL ONE!

[@tubeuandy]

It's about contribution to Mumbai growth. If he moved to UK was his personal choice.

[@seanfreyer]

What an education! Thank you Professor Bhaskar, clearly rendered slice of Indian history that I am sure, many Indians, like myself are completely ignorant of!

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Many thanks.

[@grainofmustardseed]

Thank you very much.. for this video. I grew up in Bombay... without knowing half of this history & contribution of mr Sassoon... unfortunately our history text books back then/and now ..only focus on Pop history/culture...

[@harvindersingharora3845]

You are my teacher of the day! Though, I’m a thorough bred Bombayite (I Was born in Bombay, which later became Mumbai) but, i didn’t know the history which you have shared. Thank You Sir ❤

[@mg.f.9023]

Amazing History! Untold and unheard before ❤

[@shubhangishirpute]

History lessons should be re-written for the right reason's, such as this valuable piece of information. The knowledge transfer to our next generation should not be at the mercy of uneducated and corrupt politicians. Thank You Sir! ❤

[@RoxannaMoos2014]

Always wondered about the name Sassoon Docks, so here is a piece of history revealed and every resident of Bombay, now Mumbai should learn. Surely there must exist a plaque somewhere to this brilliant businessman.

[@ajitfernando9517]

Sir Thanks for teaching us about a very important part of our history. Never knew about this

[@ingadukta]

Oh my God!! this Bhaskar is a history saint. God bless him

[@999geronimo]

Some inaccuracies in the video. David Sassoon did not build the Masina hospital. In 1907, Dr. Masina acquired Sans Souci, meaning "without a care," and its expansive grounds from the Sassoon family for the hospital's benefit. The Sassoon Dock was built in 1875 by a Jewish businessman Albert Abdullah David Sassoon, (David Sassoon's son?) He bought land from the East India Company and developed this place into a dock.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

I do not think I said that he built Sans Souci. He stayed at Masina Hospital, and funded its expandsion. Later he haded it over to a Trust which converted it into a hospital.

[@villoosinhji9191]

The statement is confusing. It says “he built the Masina Hospital which became his first home”. Shouldn’t it be - he built his home which later Dr. Masina acquired from him and is the Masina Hospital we know today?

[@vinodnair0811]

Amazing to know about Mumbai history. It is for the historians to narrate the true facts of their time without bias for the next generation/ posterity. Same holds true for Indian history being taught/learned by us through text books.

[@ranganathhegde908]

We need to see how these Foreign Refugees (Parsi and Iraqi) became Settlers and with the help of British used Drug Opium money to get rich. They built all those for their hold on to Dock for Trade.Note Indian farmers remained poor in those time. To euloge them as one who built Mumbai is sad. Like calling settlers Moghuls and colonisers like British as those who built India.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Thanks.

[@sariyanapokiri]

You have to see whether they looted India/destroyed India/brought in Religious conversions OR they built assets & legacies for the coming generations. David Sassoon belonged to the latter! Thank you Prof Bhaskar 🙏

[@Manas-zg4fe]

Do U think if there were No moguls who comes and unit India .. No Britishers Who tooks all from Norths to south east and west.. and run India for Thier business.. if above 2 not there then U would have some country from South Indian continent and east would have part of Chinese decent...Bangal Punjab Owdh etc etc all would have different country.. forget about sanatani and Hindu dharma .... So one should have thanks God that Mugals came here unit the country Not taken out Money and not killed all locals like Manols .. and today U r here to comments as a sterio type andhbhakt

[@TheAmitrajpurohit]

These gems ( the story teller and the character)should be cherished. Talked to and about more often otherwise history itself is evident that popular narratives can be overcasted.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Many thanks.

[@Gopinath67]

A wonderful narration. Amazing life story of a great entrepreneur .

[@Dori1951]

Great story, but I would query the reference to a Jewish crematorium in Pune. He probably means cemetery. The many thousands of Baghdadi Jews in Bombay came because of persecution in Iraq. Their number had now dwindled substantially, but not for any negative reason.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Yes, it means cemetary, or masoleum. But it is loosely also referred to as the crematorium. And yes, I agree with you.

[@sudhasubramanian3675]

Many mumbaikars like me do not know the history and growth of Mumbai. Excellent information regarding David Sassoon. Thanks for sharing 🎉

[@asiaconverge]

Many thanks.

[@marcodelacruz7727]

Saludos desde Perú

[@AshokChackoEHA]

Thanks so much! Especially showing how the Jews have contributed to building our country! Amazing

[@gngnome]

Subscribed. I recognised the names of the places of course but never knew this part of the history of the city I have lived my entire life in. Thank you sir. 🙏

[@asiaconverge]

Many thanks.

[@sasicms]

Bhaskar sir. Loved the story and your narration. Exicted to hear more stories

[@tarzan40005]

Thank you so very much. Feel enlightened. Why does this not reflect in the history of india is shocking.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Many thanks.

[@limarosalind665]

How beautifully you narrate! Thank you for this!❤️👍🏾

[@asiaconverge]

Many thanks.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Thank you so much!

[@kironkasbekar755]

Excellent, Bhaskar!

[@asiaconverge]

Many thanks.

[@timothysassoon1077]

Very good presentation!

[@jayabutani]

Thank you Sir for enlightening us

[@vandananayak2085]

Thank you for this pod cast, we were not aware of this at all. Wonderful narration.

[@mahendramenezes9329]

Bhaskar, I’ve always been in awe of your narrative skills since our DNA days & you continue to impress me with the current tribute you’ve given to David Sasson.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

An honour to hear this from you. :-) All of you encouraged me in a variety of ways.

[@irissimon9761]

So glad you shared this story. Thank you.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

My pleasure.

[@TheHarveySpectre]

You are a master story teller.. never knew this piece of Bombay

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Ṃany thanks.

[@shashiswamy62]

Wonderful!!!!

[@georgekorah9548]

Thank you. Very enlightening

[@vinitaullal5768]

Such a brilliant video on Sassoon with references in the timeline to what was happening all over the world at the same time.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Thanks.

[@rositafernandes502]

Absolutely loved it and so well shared. Thank you 😊

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Many thanks.

[@Cvaut]

Knew part of this story ...ans was happy to hear this from you again.Pls keep sending more such. Samson did another favour ..Few Jewish friends of mine are people that came to India become of David Sasoon.Wonderful poeple !

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

:-)

[@monikadass]

Fascinating! Loved listening to you!! Thank you!!!

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Thanks.

[@NMReadingUK]

Excellent presentation and very educational for me. Thank you!

[@santosh.deshmukh2202]

Thanks Sir.. for bringing out this treasure.❤

[@CHAITANYA51]

Amazing great informative video

[@narayanhattiholi9771]

Very informative.Thanks.

[@renukakumar9623]

Thankyou for this valuable information.

[@mastkalandar3200]

Sassoon Hospital in Pune, the scene of switched blood samples in the infamous Porsche case

[@AnoshMalekar]

Excellent. So insightful and inspiring. Thanks a ton❤

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Thanks.

[@visimonteiro9500]

Love your narration.

[@worthy1959]

Thank you for sharing such important information.

[@sandhyashetye4079]

Very interesting and informative video Thank you Sir

[@pushpamuljiratna9589]

thank you sir, I did not know. bring us more stories like this.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Yes, I will. I will be doing one business story each month. They require a lot of research, hence the spacing out for the time bein g. Hopefully, I shall be able to do more soon.

[@shantikiran2562]

Thank you for the wonderful hidden true information. Appreciate your inputs and useful information which is not known to many at all.

[@UshaRani-xn7nj]

Thank you Sir for bringing to light the contributions of this Great Visionary 🙏💐

[@abc098780]

Knowledgeable. Thank you for sharing.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

My pleasure

[@RaghuramKG]

Awesome

[@pratikupadhyaya8477]

Excellent very happy to know various things about mumbai

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

🤗👍

[@irenewarwale6942]

David sasoon s contribution to Bombay is commendable Thank you sir for ur excellent information about the growth of Bombay ❤❤❤❤

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Honoured. Delighted you liked it.

[@pdsingh909]

So very well told

[@esthergoldberg6407]

Thank you for a fabulous tribute to a man who well deserves it

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

My pleasure.

[@mtkoshy6284]

Very interesting. Thank you Sir🙏

[@attilisudhakar]

Great narration Sir. The central theme is amazing. Hitherto unknown facts have been brought to light. Regards 🙏

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Thanks for listening

[@arnauddevic]

A captivating story so well told

[@neelawadke756]

Awesome to know this part of history ..... brilliant narration!! ❤

[@neelawadke756]

Salute to u Sir fr ur history knowledge🫡🫡🫡

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Thanks for watching, and the words of encouragement.

[@BridgetPereira-ts6fb]

Very valued information... Thanks.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

:-)

[@virochanraote1807]

Excellent explanation and narration

[@kishenmilaney]

Very nicely narrated, thank you.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Honoured.

[@sharayusawant4356]

Thank you for sharing

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Thanks for watching!

[@bhavnashah2457]

Very nice story

[@Cvaut]

Tribute to David Sasoon..

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

😀

[@bryanferrao7336]

Wow. So nicely narrated

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Thanks.

[@TechnologyforallTAL]

Very informative. Thx Bhaskar, I remember writing for you when you were in FE investment week in the eighties. All the best Sandip

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Thanks. Yes, I was with the Indian Express Group for 12 years from 1987. And was editor of EIW from its inception till December 1998.

[@sab3jcds]

Great knowledge. Thankyou for sharing. I never knew. Do share more of your knowledge.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

My pleasure

[@prashantharkare2511]

xtrimly nice info R N sir. really grt.

[@bhiwaji]

Amazing story, Never would have known this. Thanks sir

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Delighted.

[@RajanPandit-iv1kt]

Unknown historical story thank u sar

[@user-fr5cu9wk7f]

Wonderful information no doubt.Thank you for this.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

My pleasure.

[@djangocc3315]

The Sasoon Textile Mill on Ghorapdeo road behind Rani Baug later became Mafatlal.😮😮😮 Very interesting.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Thanks.

[@pathaks1]

I remember your story that you told me personally about Dheeru and his polyesters friends

[@JatinderSingh-qr7uf]

Mr Bhaskar, thanks for sharing such knowledge in a very interesting manner, i never knew anything about David Sassoon, please do share more such jewels about India .

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Many thanks. And yes, I shall be doing a story every month. And I hope to make them equally inspiring.

[@umeshgoswami8573]

Sir Amazing story and information Thanks 🙏🏻

[@Markogleby]

Thanks Mr. Bhaskar for this informative piece. I have subscribed and am looking forward to a lot more gems.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Thanks.

[@hemantdesai5910]

Wow, so happy to have come across you BhaskarSir..being a history lover & a Mumbaiite..this David Sassoon podcast is an absolute gem. Atb.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

My pleasure.

[@BushraSatkhed]

Amazing storytelling sir 👏 🎉

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Many thanks.

[@ashcash9458]

Amazing narration ! “Knowledge is Power” 👏👌👍😇

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Thanks.

[@venkyh]

Very interesting and little known piece of Mumbai history. Thanks for sharing this.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Glad you liked it! Many Thanks 🙏

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

It is good to hear from you. :-)

[@marygeorge4423]

Lot of information.thankyou.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Thanks.

[@maureenrebello7529]

Thanks for this history lesson

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

:-)

[@rohitnaik6764]

Very informative

[@brownmouse6121]

Beautiful narration

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

My pleasure.

[@bharatdivgi8598]

Very nice

[@richardchacko9161]

Good to know 👍

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Thanks.

[@anilparekh2873]

We value your observations Thxs

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Honoured.

[@Tulsi1958]

Great story. Thanks!!! Please tell us more about great people, other than business people, from 19th century. What were people thinking and aspiring to?

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Thanks.

[@rubiovaz8988]

Thank you Bhaskar, I love your naration. ❤

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Thanks.

[@hansakatira4084]

Excellent efforts you took to know us about great stories of great people, thanks, hats off you.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

My pleasure. Glad you liked it.

[@kirtaneg]

Brilliant story!

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Many Thanks 🙏🙏

[@prakashwadhwani]

Your energy & enthusiasm while narrating is so infectious. Kudos to you for uncovering and sharing all this information & delivering it (narrating) with such panache and élan. You earned my sub :) Looking forward to more such clips.

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Thank you for your warm words of encouragement.

[@rajeshvaidya4190]

Wonderful information

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

Many many thanks

[@prasannapahade9577]

Very informative. Good narration. Looking forward to more

[@bhaskarkibusinessbaatein]

You will have at least one business story each month.