The House of Jagat Seth by J.H Little

The House of Jagat Seth — J. H. Little

A Masterpiece on 18th-Century Bengal’s Most Powerful Banking Dynasty

The House of Jagat Seth by J. H. Little is a classic historical work that explores the extraordinary rise, influence, and eventual decline of the Jagat Seth family — the most powerful bankers of 18th-century Bengal. Originally published in two articles in Bengal Past and Present (1920–21) and later compiled into a full-length book, this meticulously researched volume draws on extensive primary sources from India Office records, family archives, and Persian chronicles to present an authoritative account of one of India’s most remarkable financial dynasties. �

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Set against the backdrop of Mughal and Nawabi politics, Little’s narrative places the Jagat Seths alongside Europe’s most famed banking houses — likening their role in Bengal’s economy and power structures to that of the Fuggers in Germany or the Medicis in Italy. The family’s control over coinage, credit, minting, and treasury transactions gave them unparalleled influence over regional rulers, including the Nawabs of Bengal, and played a pivotal role in the events leading up to the Battle of Plassey in 1757. �

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With its rich blend of economic, political and social history, The House of Jagat Seth is essential reading for students of Bengal’s past, scholars of Indian history, and any reader fascinated by the intersection of finance and power. Published by K P Bagchi & Co., this edition reintroduces a timeless exploration of wealth, diplomacy, and legacy. �