Battle of Swally
Off Suvali (Swally), near Surat, Gujarat, India
What happened
Ships of the English East India Company under Captain Thomas Best fought a Portuguese fleet under Nuno da Cunha. Portugal dominated European trade with India. When English ships came to trade at Surat, a Portuguese fleet of galleons tried to drive them away. Best's ships sailed through the Portuguese line, three galleons ran aground, and after several days the Portuguese gave up.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It marked the start of the English East India Company's presence in India. The Mughal emperor Jahangir looked more favourably on the English afterwards and approved their trading post at Surat.
What came next
In January 1613 the Mughal emperor confirmed the English right to trade at Surat. The Company also began a small navy to protect its trade.
Did you know?
The small navy the Company created after Swally is regarded as one of the roots of the modern Indian Navy.
Timeline
- 1612England sets up its first trading post (factory) in India at Surat.
- 29-30 November 1612The English defeat the Portuguese at Swally.
- January 1613The Mughal emperor ratifies the English trade treaty.