The English East India Company's Conflict with the Mughal Empire: A Struggle for Trade Supremacy

Introduction:

The English East India Company, granted a monopoly and fortified bases by the Crown, sought to establish trading privileges across the Mughal Empire in the late 17th century. In Bengal, India, the Mughal Empire and the British East India Company faced conflict. They attempted to converse with Shaista Khan, the Mughal governor, but instead engaged in combat with the Mughal troops. This led to widespread warfare and a struggle for control of the area.  Here are the important things that happened:

The East India Company wanted to do business in Bengal.

They talked to Shaista Khan, but things didn't go well.

They ended up fighting the Mughal soldiers.

There were many conflicts and a struggle for control in the region.

Negotiations and Escalation:

In 1682, William Hedges was sent by the English East India Company to obtain an imperial directive, called a firman, granting the Company trading privileges throughout the Mughal Empire. However, the interference of the Company's governor, Sir Josiah Child, disrupted the negotiations, prompting Emperor Aurangzeb to break them off. This setback led to Child's decision to engage in military action against the Mughals.

Naval Expedition and Battles:

In 1685, Admiral Nicholson was dispatched with a fleet of twelve warships and troops to capture and fortify the city of Chittagong, demand territorial concessions, and establish trade relationships with neighboring regions. However, due to various complications, the fleet deviated from its original course and arrived near the Hooghly River, joining forces with troops from Madras. An altercation between English soldiers and Mughal officials further strained relations, leading to an attack on the town and significant destruction.

Retreat and Disease:

In 1686, negotiations resumed in Chuttanutty (present-day Kolkata) but were intentionally prolonged by the Mughals to gather their troops for an attack on the English encampment. English commander Job Charnock retreated with his soldiers to the inhospitable island of Ingelee, where they suffered greatly from disease. Within three months, half of the English troops succumbed to the harsh conditions.

Blockade and Surrender:

In 1688, an English fleet blockaded Mughal ports in the Arabian Sea, capturing ships carrying Muslim pilgrims to Mecca. This action prompted Emperor Aurangzeb to resume negotiations, but the Company sent reinforcements under Captain Heath, who disallowed the pending treaty and launched a bombardment of Balasore. However, facing stronger-than-expected fortifications in Chittagong, the English forces landed at Madras instead.

Consequences and Reestablishment:

Emperor Aurangzeb ordered the occupation of Company possessions throughout the subcontinent and the confiscation of their property. The Company's holdings were reduced to the fortified towns of Madras and Bombay. In 1689, a formidable Mughal fleet blockaded the English fort in Bombay, leading to a year-long resistance and subsequent famine. The Company eventually surrendered and sought pardon from Aurangzeb, paying a large fine and making promises of better conduct. The Company reestablished itself in Bombay and set up a new base in Calcutta after the barrier was removed.

Conclusion:

The East India Company and the Mughal Empire ultimately clashed in 17th century. The Mughal Empire desired authority over its land, while the Company desired control over trade.  There were negotiations, fights, blockades, and eventually, the Company had to give up. They had to pay fines and lose some things they owned. However, they were able to start again in Bombay and create a new base in Calcutta. This set the stage for their later control of India.