In 1832 David Sassoon arrived in Bombay (now called Mumbai) and within his 3 decades in India, he left behind a legacy of business, community leadership, architecture,  and philanthropy, mostly in Mumbai and Pune. In 1864, in Pune he had spent his last days.

From Baghdad to Bombay

David Sassoon was one of seven sons of Sheikh Sassoon ben Saleh, a wealthy Jewish merchant and community leader. He was born in Baghdad in 1792. The Sassoons were among the elite, claiming descent from King David himself.

In his early years, David worked in the family counting house and soon demonstrated an extraordinary talent for business. During a period of intense oppression under Daud Pasha in Baghdad, Sassoon acted as an unofficial leader for the Jewish community. After being imprisoned and released on the condition of exile, he moved first to Basra, then to Bushehr in Persia, where he worked as a middleman for merchants trading between India and the Middle East.

The Call to India

According to legend, a fortune teller read Sassoon’s palm and predicted his destiny lay in India. “You and your children will be blessed with immense riches in India,” he declared.

In 1832, David Sassoon arrived in Bombay with his family. His friend and benefactor, Samuel Sakurya, helped him establish his first godown (warehouse), marking the beginning of what would become a sprawling business empire. From his home on Tamarind Lane, where he installed a mezuzah on the doorpost—an important Jewish symbol—Sassoon expanded his trading company with branches in China, Japan, and London.

At its peak, the Sassoon enterprise held enormous influence over trade between India and the rest of the world, earning him the nickname “The Rothschild of the East.”

Family and Faith

Sassoon believed deeply in both his family and his faith. He personally trained his eight sons, involving them in the family business from the age of their bar mitzvah. “Sassoon and Sons” was more than a name—it was a testament to a family empire built on unity and trust.

David Sassoon was also deeply religious. He dedicated long hours to studying the Talmud and never missed his prayers. On Fridays, he would close his office in observance of the Sabbath, and he expected all Jewish employees to refrain from work as commanded in the Torah.

Philanthropy and Public Works

Sassoon’s charitable spirit stemmed from his faith. He believed in tzedakah—the Jewish obligation to give—and personally responded to appeals from across the globe. He was known as a just employer, approachable even to his most junior staff.

His love of beauty was reflected in the homes he built. His residence “Sans Souci” in Byculla (now Bhatia Hospital) and another in Malabar Hill showcased his affinity for elegant architecture and fine craftsmanship.

Despite his deep ties to tradition, he acknowledged the influence of the British and allowed his family to adopt western attire only after the East India Company ceded control to the British Crown. He was appointed Justice of the Peace and admired British punctuality—possibly explaining his enthusiasm for building clock towers.

Landmarks and Lasting Contributions

David Sassoon’s mark on Mumbai is visible even today. Among the many institutions he helped establish are:

• David Sassoon Library and Reading Room (1847): Initially the Mechanics Institute, it was supported with a 60,000 rupee donation from Sassoon, matched by the British government. It remains one of the city’s largest and most historic libraries.
• Ohel David Synagogue, Pune: Also known as the “Lal Deval” or “Red Temple”, this striking building features stained glass windows and a chiming clock—a nod to Sassoon’s love of punctuality.
• Magen David Synagogue, Byculla: A major center of Jewish worship in the city.
• David Sassoon Hospital
• Sassoon Docks: Opened in 1875, still in use by the local fishing community.

His descendants continued his work:

• Knesset Eliyahoo Synagogue (1884): Built by Jacob Elias Sassoon.
• Sir Jacob Sassoon High School, E.E. Sassoon School
• Major donations to institutions like the Royal Institute of Science and Gateway of India
• Contributions to textile mills and banking, including founding the Bank of India

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