Session Name: Structure and Agency in the Indian Ocean during 1500-1900 II
3 - The Case Study of Shah Muncher Jee and his Trading Networks in South and Southeast Asia in the Eighteenth and Early Nineteenth Centuries.
Monday, July 29, 2024
16:15 – 18:00 (GMT+7)
Paper Abstract: Title: The Case Study of Shah Muncher Jee and its Trading Networks in South and Southeast Asia in the Eighteenth and Early Nineteenth Centuries. Author: Dr Meenu Kanojia This paper examines the case study of the Bombay Parsi merchant, Shah Muncher Jee, and its lucrative maritime trade carried from the West coast of Bombay, to Canton in South - China Sea and other sea ports on the Malacca Strait. Singapore (Temasek), was a transhipment port where vessels came for fuelling, and loading or unloading of goods. The trading networks carried out through the merchants from Bombay dealing in bullion, cotton textiles, Opium, Areca nuts. Bombay Merchants played a significant role in supplying and exchanging products through private and British Government officials in conducting business under its ruling government in the Southeast Asia. The role of the Company’s monopoly and the Bills of Exchange is well highlighted. One of the most significant Parsi merchant Shah Muncher jee, whose vessel named Shah Muncher (1042 tons), which left Bombay port to trade with China and on his return from Canton, was lost at Pedra Branca, close to Singapore on the 8 January 1796. Bombay’s trading connections between these regions played a dominant role in Oceanic Crossroads leading to maritime knowledge and influence. This paper also studies the role of the Bombay merchants, and their contribution in building business and expanding their networks in the maritime world. The Parses in Singapore, contributed greatly to the Singapore’s economy.