2019-11-29 Fri

Off the coast of Suvali or Swally, a village near Surat laid witness to the victory of four English East India Company galleons over four Portuguese galleons and 26 barks today on 29th November in 1612. This struggle between the forces of Britain and Portugal is known as the Battle of Swally. On a larger frame, it’s was a small naval battle, but historically it is important as it marks the end of Portugal’s commercial monopoly over India and the ascent of East India Company presence over the Indian coast.

It is also interesting to note that this battle convinced the East Indian Company to establish its own navy to safeguard its commerce from other European powers and pirates. Many historians also claim this initiative was the root of the modern Indian Navy.

The cause of this battle was the Portuguese monopoly over the trade with India in the late 15th to early 16th century. They guarded the trade-route to Asia quite efficiently. The final outcome of this battle resulted in favour of the East India Company.

The above-show coin belongs to both East India Company and Portuguese. These coins are issued in a later period when both of them established a strong on Indian trade and administration. The first coin is the gold mohur issued in 1820. The second image is the reverse side one the one Uma rupee of Portuguese Goa coin.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla auction & chiefcoins.com