Early origins Marwari traders have historically been migratory in habit. The possible causes of this trait include the proximity of their homeland to the major
Ganges -
Yamuna trade route; movement to escape famine; and the encouragement given to them by various rulers of northern India who saw advantages in having their skills in banking and finance. The Marwari
Jagat Seth family served as banker to the
Nawab of Bengal.
British era After the decline of Mughal authority, Marwari traders, bankers and financiers migrated to the growing British power in Calcutta. There were particularly significant population shifts to
Bombay between 1835-1850 and Kolkata from the 1870s, as well as to
Madras. Although maintaining close and public ties with the British authorities, members of the Marwari business community were early financial supporters of the
Indian National Congress, often in secret. Today, they control many of the country's largest media groups. The community's influence over the Indian economy declined following the country's 1991 economic reforms. From a peak of controlling 24 per cent of economic activity in 1990, it had fallen to less than 2 per cent in 2000. This reflects the growth of new industries outside of commodities trading and primary production. The figure for 2000 is considered to be lower than the position in 1939, when the community first began its resurgence. ==Language==