Early British Settlements in Surat, Madras, Bombay, and Calcutta
The British East India Company (EIC) established its foothold in India in the early 17th century,
beginning with small trading posts that gradually evolved into significant colonial bases. These
early settlements in Surat, Madras, Bombay, and Calcutta not only enabled the British to
conduct trade but also laid the foundation for their imperial ambitions. Over time, each
settlement played a unique role in shaping British influence in India.
1. Surat: The First British Settlement (1612)
Historical Context and Foundation: Surat, a port city on the western coast of India in
present-day Gujarat, was a thriving trade center for spices, textiles, and other valuable
commodities. Initially dominated by the Portuguese, it was also frequented by Arab and other
European traders. In 1608, Captain William Hawkins attempted to establish a presence in Surat,
but it wasn’t until 1612 that the British gained a foothold following the Battle of Swally, where
Captain Thomas Best defeated the Portuguese.
Early Trade and Significance: The victory convinced the Mughal Emperor Jahangir to permit the
East India Company to establish a trading post, marking Surat as the first official British
settlement in India. The EIC’s Surat factory became a major hub, handling lucrative trade in
cotton, indigo, and spices. The British also established a strong trade network with Persia, the
Middle East, and the Red Sea region.
Challenges and Decline: Despite the success, Surat faced challenges from the Portuguese and
other European powers. Additionally, the turbulent political climate, due to frequent conflicts
among regional rulers, affected the stability of trade. By the late 17th century, the importance of
Surat began to wane as Bombay, with its deep harbor and favorable location, emerged as a
more attractive center for trade and administration.
2. Madras: The British on the Coromandel Coast (1639)
Establishment and Fort St. George: Unlike Surat, where the British operated with Mughal
permission, the establishment of Madras involved a local alliance. In 1639, Francis Day, a factor
(or representative) of the EIC, negotiated with the local Nayak rulers to lease land along the
Coromandel Coast. This agreement allowed the British to construct Fort St. George in 1644,
marking the beginning of the Madras settlement.
Economic and Administrative Importance: Madras, situated along the southeastern coast,
became an essential trading post for textiles, particularly cotton and silk, and acted as a
gateway to Southeast Asia and China. The British established administrative structures and a
small local government, making Madras a center of governance for the EIC's eastern
operations.
Growth and Community Development: The British encouraged the development of a
multicultural settlement, attracting Tamil weavers, Telugu merchants, and other local artisans.
This population diversity enriched Madras culturally and economically, with British policies
creating opportunities for local traders. Additionally, by hiring local weavers and artisans, the
EIC benefited from the region’s thriving textile industry, making Madras a cornerstone of their
export business.
Military and Strategic Defenses: Facing potential threats from the French and Dutch, as well as
local rulers, the British fortified Fort St. George. By the 1680s, it housed a robust military
garrison, ensuring British dominance on the Coromandel Coast. The fortifications and British
military presence discouraged attacks, allowing the EIC to expand its trading activities along the
eastern coast with minimal disruption.
3. Bombay: A Strategic Naval Base on the Western Coast (1661)
Acquisition through Marriage Treaty: The acquisition of Bombay in 1661 was unique. The British
Crown obtained the seven islands of Bombay as part of the dowry when Charles II married
Catherine of Braganza, the daughter of the King of Portugal. Recognizing its strategic and
economic potential, the British Crown leased the islands to the EIC in 1668 for an annual rent,
giving the Company an opportunity to expand its western operations.
Transformation under Gerald Aungier: Gerald Aungier, the then-Governor of Bombay, played a
significant role in transforming the scattered islands into a cohesive settlement. His policies
encouraged diverse groups—Hindus, Parsis, Muslims, and Jews—to settle in Bombay, fostering
a pluralistic society. He focused on building infrastructure, strengthening fortifications, and
establishing administrative structures, laying the foundation for Bombay as a trade hub and
naval base.
Economic Development and Opportunities: Bombay’s natural harbor was deeper than Surat’s,
making it a prime location for anchoring large ships and handling heavy cargo. The British
invested in infrastructure, facilitating shipbuilding, cotton processing, and textile trade. This
investment paid off; by the late 17th century, Bombay was challenging Surat’s dominance,
quickly becoming the premier British settlement on India’s western coast.
Impact on Regional Trade and Power Dynamics: Bombay’s location allowed the British to
secure trade routes across the Arabian Sea, effectively undermining Portuguese and Dutch
competition. The EIC also developed a shipbuilding industry that catered to British and local
merchants alike, attracting more settlers and establishing Bombay as a primary economic
center.
4. Calcutta: The British Foothold in Bengal (1690)
Establishment and Strategic Location: Calcutta, situated along the Hooghly River in Bengal,
became the British stronghold in eastern India. In 1690, Job Charnock, an agent of the EIC,
secured permission from the Nawab of Bengal to establish a trading post. This settlement was
strategically located for accessing the rich agricultural and textile-producing areas of Bengal, as
well as for trading with Southeast Asia.
Development of Fort William: To safeguard their interests against local rivals and European
competitors, the British constructed Fort William in 1700. This fortress became the
administrative and military base of the British in Bengal. Its development marked a transition
from purely commercial activities to a focus on military strength and political control.
Economic Importance and Revenue Collection: Calcutta became a key trading center for
textiles, saltpetre, and rice. The EIC utilized Bengal’s rich agricultural resources to generate
immense profits. They eventually secured the right to collect revenues, which shifted the EIC’s
role from a trading company to a governing body. This control over finances enabled the British
to expand their influence in Bengal and led to further ambitions in the Indian subcontinent.
Battle of Plassey (1757) and the Shift in Power: The importance of Calcutta escalated following
the Battle of Plassey in 1757, where British forces under Robert Clive defeated Nawab
Siraj-ud-Daula. This victory, facilitated by internal dissent among the Nawab’s ranks, granted the
EIC control over Bengal’s revenue and governance. The victory at Plassey marked the
beginning of British political dominance in India, transforming Calcutta from a trading post into
the de facto capital of British India.
Conclusion
The establishment and growth of British settlements in Surat, Madras, Bombay, and Calcutta
were significant in the history of British colonial expansion in India. Initially intended as trading
posts, these settlements evolved into powerful centers of British influence, laying the
groundwork for full-scale colonial rule. Surat, as the first settlement, introduced the British to
Indian trade dynamics; Madras on the Coromandel Coast provided access to textiles and
Southeast Asian markets; Bombay’s deep harbor became a cornerstone of naval and trade
activities on the western coast; and Calcutta emerged as a strategic base in Bengal, leading to
the British domination of eastern India.
These settlements marked the British transition from traders to rulers, gradually consolidating
power through local alliances, military victories, and revenue collection. This transformation
fundamentally reshaped India’s social, economic, and political landscape, setting the stage for
two centuries of British colonial rule.
