Bombay given in dowry 1661
Also called: Cession of Bombay · Topic: Europeans in India and the Rise of Company Rule · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
In 1661 Portugal gave the islands of Bombay to King Charles II of England. They were part of the dowry of the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza, who married Charles. A dowry is the property a bride's family gives at marriage. In 1668 Charles leased Bombay to the English East India Company for a small yearly rent. Bombay later grew into one of the Company's three main bases in India.
Example
Catherine of Braganza married Charles II in 1661, and the seven islands of Bombay came to England with her. The Company took over Bombay in 1668. Over time it became the Company's main centre on the west coast and replaced Surat.
Don't confuse with
- Goa: the Portuguese captured Goa in 1510 and kept it as the capital of Portuguese India. It was never given to England.