Archive · 6 Sep 2025
Jehangir Bomanji Petit: The Capitalist Who Supported Gandhi
Jehangir Bomanji Petit was a wealthy businessman from a Parsi family in Bombay.
He inherited mills and became a leader in the textile industry.
He was unusual because, despite his family's ties to the British, he supported Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian independence movement.
He funded campaigns and hosted Gandhi.
He also helped start a hospital and a school.
Though his mills were a part of the industrial system Gandhi wanted to change, Petit's work helped support India's freedom.
Jehangir Petit was born into a wealthy Parsi family in Bombay.
He inherited mills and was the chairman of the Bombay Mill Owners’ Association.
Petit supported Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian independence movement.
He funded campaigns promoting Indian independence and hosted Gandhi.
Petit was a philanthropist, supporting schools and hospitals.
- Who
- Jehangir Bomanji Petit
- What
- A Parsi businessman and philanthropist
- When
- Died in 1946
- Where
- Bombay, India
- Why
- Supported Gandhi and the Indian independence movement while maintaining his family's business interests
- Born
- August 21, 1879
- Family Background
- Affluent Parsi family
- Business Role
- Chairman of Bombay Mill Owners’ Association
- Political Affiliation
- Member of Bombay Legislative Council
- Key Association
- Gandhi ally, supported Indian independence
- Legacy
- Philanthropy, J.B. Petit High School for Girls
- Death
- 1946
