The Business Sense of Gujaratis, Marwadis, and Chettiyars: A Darwinian Selection of Success

Gujaratis, Marwadis, and Chettiyars are known for their remarkable business acumen and persistence. These communities have a reputation for creating and maintaining profitable ventures, often outshining others in their regions.

A Common Business Mindset

I have many Gujarati Marwadi friends, and one thing is particularly common among them: their intense focus on making profits. When you approach life with this mindset, you start to see potential business opportunities and relationships everywhere. Unlike some communities, Marwadis and Gujaratis are incredibly patient and persistent when it comes to making money. They are willing to secure a customer or a deal even if it means slightly lower profits, all in the name of establishing a good rapport and foundations for future business success.

They also value the power of compounding interest as a tool for long-term wealth building. Their approach to business is often driven by the desire to ensure financial security not just for the present, but for the future. This persistence and patience have been passed down through generations and have arguably become a part of their DNA, providing them with a natural business acumen.

The Myth of Business Sense

However, it’s important to dispel the myth that these communities have an extraordinary business sense. There are historical and economic factors at play. Initially in India, people from these communities were involved in opium trade. Due to this, they accumulated significant wealth in the form of assets and capital. This allowed them to start and operate big corporate entities. The situation in the Bengal, Madras, and Bombay provinces, however, was quite different. These regions experienced colonial exploitation which drained their wealth, leading to famines, poverty, and a lack of resources.

Therefore, it is understandable why you might not find many businesses from these regions. These areas suffered more due to colonial exploitation and did not have the same opportunities for business growth.

Natural Selection in Business

Centuries ago, these clans decided to go into business. Those who lacked the necessary business sense or acumen went bankrupt and became extinct. The survivors, who possessed these traits, inter-married within the group, ensuring that each generation was shaped by natural selection. This created a community where business acumen was more common and expected.

It is crucial to understand that these success stories are not due to any extraordinary business sense, but rather the result of strategic and adaptive survival mechanisms. A strong business acumen passed down through generations, coupled with the ability to adapt to changing economic conditions, has contributed to their success.

Accomplishments through Talent and Skill

Ultimately, many individuals from Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have succeeded in engineering due to their genuine talent and skills. They have reached top positions in both Indian and international engineering companies, not through dirty politics but through their hard work and expertise.

Groups like Gujarati Marwadis and Chettiyars, however, have often risen to power through political influence rather than merit. They have established a strong presence in various industries by creating lobbies and monopolies, often at the expense of fair competition and collaboration.

It is important to recognize that merit-based success should be celebrated, and communities like those in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have truly earned their success through their remarkable talents and skills.