Reshmi Lahiri-Roy

The Armenian diaspora’s Calcutta connection

ABSTRACT The existing literature on Armenian diaspora’s association of over three centuries with India, and more particularly Calcutta has overlooked the importance of the diaspora’s connection with Calcutta1 (present-day Kolkata) and how the diaspora’s presence in Calcutta shaped their destiny. This paper explains the significance of Armenian diaspora’s historical connection with Calcutta based on a review of existing literature supported by field work.

World's smallest business community : the parsis of India

The Parsis of India are perhaps the world’s smallest ethnic community whose entrepreneurial contribution to India has far exceeded their size in numbers. This paper traces the rise of the Parsis as entrepreneurs in Indian society from the 16th century in Surat and later Mumbai to their significant presence today amongst India’s major business houses with household names such as the Tatas, Wadias and Godrej.