William Hawkins
Topic: Europeans in India and the Rise of Company Rule · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
William Hawkins was an English sea captain. He came to the Mughal court at Agra in 1609 to ask Emperor Jahangir for trading rights for the East India Company. He was one of the first Englishmen to make this request. Jahangir treated him well, but he did not grant a lasting farman, which is a royal order giving official permission.
Example
Hawkins reached Agra in 1609. Jahangir made him a mansabdar, which means an officer holding a Mughal rank and salary. He also gave him a title, often recorded as "English Khan". The Portuguese had strong influence at court, so any permission Hawkins received was soon taken back. Hawkins left in 1611 without lasting rights for the English.
Don't confuse with
- Sir Thomas Roe: he was the royal ambassador of King James I and came to Jahangir's court in 1615. He was more successful and obtained rights to trade and set up factories.