Dear Listers, http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/jan/03spec3.htm Here you will, in a nutshell, read the story of the feverish speculation and share mania in Bombay in the 1860's, caused by the sudden rise in the demand for Indian cotton, following upon the Civil War in America. It destroyed some fortunes like Premachand Roychand, who is today chiefly remembered for the famous Rajabai Tower, a landmark of the Fort area of Bombay, which he built. Out of the ruins caused by bursting of the bubble following the end of the Civil War, there arose new fortunes like the House of Tatas. They are today one of the top Industrial conglomerates in India and have worldwide operations. Among their more well-known operations are brands like Tetley Tea, Jaguar cars and the Taj Mahal Hotel of Mumbai. Their most recent success story is a new small car built by them called 'Nano'. They would like to price it around Rs 1 lakh (Rs 100,000), equivalent to USD 2,500. Arvind Kolhatkar, Toronto, July 08, 2008.