Ralph Fitch
Topic: Medieval India through Travellers' Eyes · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Ralph Fitch was an English merchant who travelled through India in the 1580s, during Akbar's reign. He was among the first Englishmen to see Mughal India. He described its big cities, rich markets and busy trade. His reports back home added to English interest in trade with the East, which led to the founding of the English East India Company in 1600.
Example
In c. 1585 Fitch visited Agra and Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's capitals. He wrote that each city was larger than London and full of people and goods.
Don't confuse with
- Thomas Roe: an English ambassador who came to Jahangir's court in 1615 on official business. Fitch came earlier, as a private merchant.
Related concepts
- Duarte Barbosa
- Jean-Baptiste Tavernier
- Niccolao Manucci
- Pelsaert
- Francois Bernier
- Travels in the Mughal Empire