Description
In the book “British Beginnings in Western India: An Account of the Early Days of the British Factory of Surat,” the author delves into the often overlooked history preceding Clive’s era in British India. The struggles faced by resilient merchants and seamen such as Best, Downton, Aldworth, and Kerridge against Portuguese aggression, diseases, and famine are highlighted. The Surat English factory, which served as a pivotal point in the British Empire’s establishment in India, encountered formidable challenges including Portuguese resistance at sea and on land, Jesuit interference in Agra, and perilous voyages. Isolated and unsupported, the factors persevered through harsh conditions where survival itself was uncertain. Their sacrifices played a pivotal role in shaping the history of British India.
