The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c18.114

v4.c18.114

With European nations the intercourse was less formal and embassies were not contemplated. Portuguese influence, in spite of the possession of territory, was waning, and that of the Dutch and English, though it increased, was still directed to mercantile affairs and had not achieved a political status. The Portuguese in 1630 attempted to get the English and Dutch ousted from Surat and offered to settle and trade there. They captured a Moghul ship to put pressure on the Mughuls, but an English fleet came to the governor’s assistance, and later Shāh Jahān was able to induce Bījāpur to blockade Goa and the Portuguese were glad to restore the ship and waive their demands. In 1635 Methwold, the president at Surat, was able to arrange a convention with the viceroy at Goa with beneficial results. Rivalry between the Dutch and English continued, and Shāh Jahān offered concessions to the Dutch if they would expel the Portuguese from Damān and Diu, but the proposal was not accepted by the Dutch governor-general at Batavia. The persistence of the traders, both English and Dutch, and the profits arising from their operations gradually led to the grant of more privileges, though progress was chequered and factors were sometimes subjected to imprisonment.