Battle of Swally facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Swally |
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| Part of Portuguese battles in the Indian Ocean | |||||||
 England's Glory, etching by William Rayner (1699–1761) |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 East India Company |
 Portugal |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Thomas Best |
Unknown |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 4 galleons | 4 galleons 26 barks |
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Unknown killed and wounded | Unknown killed and wounded 3 galleons beached 1 bark destroyed |
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The Battle of Swally, also known as the Battle of Suvali, was a naval fight. It happened on November 29–30, 1612, near the village of Suvali (also called Swally) in India. In this battle, four large English ships called galleons defeated four Portuguese galleons and 26 smaller rowing boats called barks. This victory was a big moment for the English East India Company.
Contents
Why This Battle Was Important
This battle might seem small, but it was very important for history. It marked the start of the English East India Company's growing power in India. Even though its full impact would be seen much later, it was a key first step.
The battle also showed the English East India Company that they needed their own navy. This navy would protect their trade from other European countries and from pirates. This small start is seen as the beginning of the modern Indian Navy.
The reasons behind this battle also explain why the Dutch formed their own trading company, the Dutch East India Company, in 1602.
How the Battle Started
For a long time, Portugal controlled all trade with India. This was especially true in the late 1400s and 1500s. English companies, like the Muscovy Company and the English East India Company, wanted to find their own ways to the East Indies for the valuable spice trade. A few key people helped set the stage for this battle:
Ralph Fitch's Journey
The Portuguese kept their trade routes to Asia a secret. In July 1583, an English merchant named Ralph Fitch was caught spying. He was traveling from Syria to the Indian Ocean. The Portuguese arrested him in Goa, India.
He was later released with help from priests. But he escaped and traveled around India for years. When he returned to England in 1591, he became a very helpful advisor to the English trading company.
Jan Huyghens van Linschoten's Maps
Jan Huyghens van Linschoten was a Dutch traveler and historian. He worked as a secretary for the Portuguese leader in Goa from 1583 to 1588. He went back to Holland in 1592.
In 1596, he published a book called Itinerario. This book showed detailed maps of voyages to the East Indies, especially India. While in Goa, Jan Huyghens secretly copied top-secret Portuguese maps. He also wrote down important details like ocean currents, deep waters, and sandbanks. This information was vital for safe travel by sea. His books also led to the creation of the Dutch East India Company in 1602.
Sir William Hawkins' Mission
Sir William Hawkins led the first English East India Company voyage to India. He arrived in the port of Surat on August 24, 1608. He carried 25,000 pieces of gold and a letter from King James I to the Mughal Emperor Jehangir. The letter asked for permission to trade.
Hawkins tried for over two years to get a trade deal. But pirates stole his gold, and people tried to kill him. He returned to England without success. The next English envoy, Paul Canning, also failed quickly.
The Tenth Voyage to India
The English East India Company's early voyages did not always go to India. Each trip was a separate business venture. Captain Thomas Best led the tenth voyage (1612–1614).
His ships left England on February 1, 1612. They sailed past Trinidad and then to Daman. They reached Surat on September 5, 1612. Surat was the main port for the Mughal Empire. It was located at the mouth of the Tapti River.
The Battle Begins
On September 13, 1612, 16 Portuguese barks sailed into Surat. On September 22, Captain Best sent a messenger to the Emperor. He asked for permission to trade and set up a trading post in Surat. If he was refused, he planned to leave India.
On September 30, Captain Best learned that two of his men, Canning (the ship's manager) and William Chambers, had been arrested. Fearing the worst, Captain Best captured a ship belonging to the Governor of Gujarat. He offered to release it if his men were freed.
On October 10, Captain Best sailed his ships to Suvali. This small town was about 12 miles (19 km) north of Surat. The Governor of Gujarat was fighting a local rebellion there. Between October 17 and 21, Captain Best managed to get a treaty. This treaty allowed the English to trade, but the Emperor still had to approve it.
A small fight happened between the English and Portuguese navies on October 29. Neither side was badly damaged.
At dawn on October 30, Captain Best's ship, the Red Dragon, sailed through the four Portuguese galleons. Three of the Portuguese ships ran aground (got stuck in shallow water). The Hosiander, another English ship, joined the Red Dragon. The Portuguese managed to get their three galleons floating again.
At 9 PM that night, the Portuguese sent a bark towards the English ships. They wanted to set the English ships on fire. But the English sailors were alert. They sank the bark with cannon fire, and eight Portuguese sailors died.
The two sides remained in a standoff until December 5. Then, Captain Best sailed his ships to the port of Diu.
After the Battle
On January 6, 1613, Captain Best received a letter from the Emperor. The Emperor had approved the trading treaty. Captain Best then sent one of his men, Anthony Starkey, to England by land on January 16. Starkey carried letters about their success. Sadly, Starkey later died. The English claimed he was poisoned by two priests.
Captain Best continued his voyage. He sailed to Ceylon on January 18, then to Sumatra. He returned to England around April 1614, without going back to India.
How the Mughals Reacted
This battle greatly impressed the Governor of Gujarat. He reported it to the Emperor. After this, the Emperor liked the English more than the Portuguese. This helped the English East India Company gain a stronger foothold in India.
Ships in the Battle
English East India Company
- Red Dragon (1595)
- Hosiander
- James
- Solomon
Portugal
- 4 galleons
- 26 oared barks
About Swally Port
Swally is the English name for Suvali. Suvali port is near the modern village of Suvali in Surat, India.
The English built this port because it was safe from storms and military attacks. It was also easy for their ships to use, even during low tides. The English found it better than using the ports in Surat, where French and Portuguese ships also operated.
An expert named R. Sengupta said that the Swally port was better than those at the mouth of the Tapti River. The English did not let anyone else use the Swally port without paying a fee.
See also
