Which one of the following prompted the Mughals to enter into trade negotiations with the English in the early 17th century?
The English victory over the Portuguese fleet off Swally in 1612
The gifts sent by the English king to the Mughal emperor
The diplomatic skills of William Hawkins
The skills of Sir Thomas Roe
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This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2017
The Portuguese held a dominant position in maritime trade on the west coast of India in the early 17th century and were hostile to other European powers. When the English East India Company ship, the *Hector*, under William Hawkins, arrived at Surat in 1608 seeking permission for trade, the Portuguese actively obstructed their efforts. The English victory over the Portuguese fleet at the Battle of Swally (or Suvali) near Surat in November 1612 was a crucial turning point. This naval defeat demonstrated the English’s superior fighting capabilities and broke the perception of Portuguese invincibility at sea, impressing the Mughal authorities in Surat and the Emperor Jahangir. It convinced the Mughals that the English could be effective partners and rivals to the Portuguese, opening the door for formal trade agreements.