The aim of this paper is to explore the various aspect of Business History in Colonial Benares during nineteenth and twentieth century. Business History cannot be studied in isolation with statistical figures and entities rather it encapsulates several other aspects to be studied. Society, Government, Local Politics, Modern institutions of Banking, Cooperative Agriculture and Colonial Empire would form the major discussion while studying the business history of Benares. It is to be noted the geography, topography, historical legacy and psychological thoughts of local population has relevance in this study and no doubt these aspects had indirect impact in business of the city.

The evident question arises here is why local indigenous people did not excel in large scale business and entrepreneurship despite experiencing the modern colonial tools and institutions. Several Marwari and other mercantile communities who have migrated from Mughal dominions (Delhi and Rajasthan) utilized this opportunity and established themselves as industrialist however the local population failed in using this time. Colonial government though understood in negative connotations however without the support and protection from state the Business of City would not have excelled at such a large scale. Hence, the question needs to be asked here why the state supported these merchants despite having their own commercial background and venture (East India Company).

There was admixture of indigenous economy and commerce dealing in local products and modernized economy, hence how these two economies got mixed and gave new avenues to the city. Did there exist conflict in beginning and how they both aided in strengthening each other is question of relevance which is important to address in this study. Another most sought question is whether society, community and caste have any role in Business and entrepreneurship and whether this informal institution has strengthened the zeal to create strong business or discouraged the individuals to follow other practice. This is important because Benares has population of agriculturist, weavers, moneylenders, hawkers, saints, and traders and these all comes from different society and community.