Muslim Slave System in Medieval India c14.32

c14.32

The Dutch also indulged in slave trade. In this regard the views of Coen, the great Dutch Governor-General, are worth noting. In 1623, he advised his successor, not merely the prosecution of Asiatic trade, but the investment of all available capital in principal means of production (many thousands of slaves) so that the returns for our native country be made out of the gains of the inland trade and the ordinary revenues.⁷⁰ From about 1620 the Dutch requirements from India were, first, a large initial supply of slaves, and then a steady stream of reinforcements to make good the losses. For example, Dutch families in the Spice Islands needed a sufficient number of slaves, mostly of Indian origin besides those who had experience of working on the spice fields. Many imported slaves, Bengalders, Arakandars, Malabars, etc., were greatly affected by sickness owing to the change of climate on arrival in the Islands and losses had to be made up. There is nothing to suggest that the Dutch merchants practised either force or fraud, and we find them buying regularly from Indian dealers after obtaining the permission of the authorities.⁷¹ In 1661 a ship belonging to the Sultan of Golkunda carried 300 slaves to Achin and slave trade was regarded by Muslims as well as the Dutch, precisely as any other branch of commerce.⁷²