Shivji Haji
- 1868
- 1942/06/12
- Business
- Leather goods importer.
- Parents
Varas Shivji traced his lineage from a certain Ismaili, called Essa in Kathiawar. Jetha was the son of Essa, and the son of the former in succession was Haji, the father of Shivji. Varas Shivji was born in the village of Tanna in Kathiawar in 1868. He left his native place and visited different cities in search of business opportunities.
In 1898, he arrived in Agra at the age of 30 years when there were hardly two Ismaili families. He started his business on a small scale. He centered his attention to accelerate his business expansion and became one of the largest importers, exporters and stockists of patent, suedes, glucekid, calf, sambhur, morroccos, chrome, newbak and all kinds of fancy leathers. He was also a largest stockist of sole leathers, kattaies, buffallo- cutting, sheep skins and all kinds of other leathers. His Oriental Boot House in Agra had a branch in Calcutta and supplied military shoes to British India during the first world war. He built his beautiful building at Mantola Street, Agra.
He also took few more resolute measure, especially in raising the Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Sindhi & Gujrati School. He shared princely amount in its construction. It was inaugurated on October 1, 1918. Master Mohanlal Devji Jivan Babarawala was employed to teach 20 to 25 students.
Varas Shivji Haji's gentility, loving kindness, desire to share, shoulder the burdens of others and restless work marked him out from the beginning of his career quite apart from others. He would never let a poor feel that he was poor. Indeed, the lowly would be given extra consideration. Kindness to others was like a mission of life to him. He would visit the houses of the Ismailis and impart to attend the Jamatkhana daily. He also visited the shops of the Ismailis and guided them to ward off their problems. He was a pioneer in education and encouraged secular and religious education. He always made surprise visit in the Ismaili school. He brought sweets for the students and gave cash awards to the teachers.
Varas Shivji Haji died on June 12, 1942 at the age of 74 years. He left behind three sons, viz. Varas Mukhi Ismail (1888-1942), Dhanji and Devji.
Varas Mukhi Ismail expired on October 18, 1942. He was survived by two sons, Alijah Yusuf Ali (1915-1998) and Kassim Ali; and a daughter, Huzur Mukhiani Daulat (d. 1989).
