David Joseph Ezra (Hebrew: דוד יוסף עזרא, died 1882[1]) was a leading merchant, property developer and communal leader of the Baghdadi Jewish community in Kolkata, India. He was one of the key developers behind 19th-century Kolkata, and was responsible for many of its most celebrated Victorian buildings and synagogues.
Family
Ezra was an Indian Ocean and South China Seas trader. Born in Baghdad, he established in Kolkata and traded heavily with China and the Arab world. His initial wealth grew principally from indigo, silk and opium trading. In addition to trading with British, Indian and Chinese clients, Ezra and his firm acted as an agent for Arab ships arriving in colonial Kolkata from Muscat and Zanzibar.[2]
Ezra's eldest son was Elias David Ezra, who built[3] the Magen David Synagogue in 1884[4] in honour of his father.[1] His grandson was Sir David Ezra.
Property development
Ezra owned the Esplanade, Ezra and Chowringhee Mansions, and Ezra Terrace. Ezra Street in Calcutta was named after him.[4] By the time of his death he was the largest property owner in the city.[1]
Jewish community
With his fellow Baghdadi Jewish community leader Ezekiel Judah he built the Beth El synagogue in 1856 on Pollock Street.[5]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 David Joseph Ezra. Template:Webarchive Recalling Jewish Calcutta: Memories of the Jewish community in Calcutta. Retrieved 6 September 2015.
- ↑ Recalling Jewish Calcutta | David Joseph Ezra, Business · 03 Notable Members of and from the Community. www.jewishcalcutta.in. Retrieved 2020-02-09.
- ↑ "Calcutta". Joseph Jacobs & Joseph Ezekiel, jewishencyclopedia.com Retrieved 6 September 2015.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Jewish jewels. The Telegraph(25 April 2010).
- ↑ Muslim families look after Kolkata synagogues. Priyanka Borpujari, Al Jazeera, 13 Oct 2014. Retrieved 6 September 2015.