The Sasoon Family's Opium Business and Its Relationship with the British East India Company

The opium trade in the 19th century was a lucrative enterprise that profoundly influenced global commerce and geopolitics. Among the prominent players in this trade was the Sassoon family, a Sephardic Jewish dynasty whose opium business became intertwined with the operations of the British East India Company. This essay explores the historical facts surrounding the Sassoon family's involvement in the opium trade and its complex relationship with the British East India Company.

The Rise of the Sassoon Family:
a. Origins and Migration:

The Sassoon family, originally from Baghdad, migrated to India in the early 19th century, seeking opportunities in trade and commerce.
Led by patriarch David Sassoon, the family established itself in Mumbai (then Bombay), where they quickly rose to prominence in the city's commercial circles.