Draft:Second Sack of Surat

Second Sack of Surat
Date October,1670 Location Surat,Gujarat Result Maratha Victory
Belligerents
Mughal Empire East India Company	Maratha Empire
Commanders and leaders
Bahadur Khan Gerald Aungier Streynsham Master	Shivaji
Strength
Mughal Garrison: 5,000 Englishmen: 40	15,000

The Second Sack of Surat in 1670 was an event during the reign of the Maratha ruler Shivaji, marking his second attack on the prosperous port city of Surat, located in present-day Gujarat, India. Following multiple alarms of an impending assault by Shivaji, the Surat Council took preemptive measures, including seeking assistance from Portuguese soldiers stationed in Mumbai. However, despite the deployment of troops, the alarm subsided with the arrival of Bahadur Khan, the subadar of Gujarat, and his forces.

On October 24, 1670, Shivaji's army of 15,000 horse and foot soldiers approached Surat, prompting the English Council of Surat to prepare for defense. Led by President Gerald Aungier, the English initially planned to defend the factory themselves but instead dispatched 40 men, led by Streynsham Master, to safeguard it. The Marathas assaulted Surat, targeting key buildings, and despite fierce resistance, they seized control of the Old Serai, bringing the English house under fire. Streynsham Master negotiated with the Marathas, ultimately securing assurances of safety from Shivaji himself.

Overall, the Sack of Surat in 1670 had lasting consequences, impacting the economic and social landscape of the region and highlighting the strategic importance of Surat and Mumbai in the context of colonial trade in India.

Background

In March and April 1670, Surat experienced multiple alarms of an imminent attack by Shivaji. The Surat Council, on March 16, 1670, decided to request 35 to 40 Portuguese soldiers from Mumbai, along with 6 or 7 English file leaders, to protect their factory. Despite the Mumbai Council agreeing to this request, they expressed reluctance in their letter dated March 29, 1670, citing concerns about the proximity of Shivaji to Mumbai. By mid-April, 39 Portuguese soldiers with a sergeant and four English soldiers arrived at Surat from Mumbai. However, the alarm in Surat significantly decreased with the arrival of Bahadur Khan, the subadar of Gujarat, along with 5,000 horsemen. Consequently, on April 25, 1670, the Surat Council decided to send back their soldiers to Mumbai.

Fresh alarms of Shivaji's impending attack on Surat emerged in September. In a meeting on September 12, 1670, the Surat Council resolved to swiftly transport all goods to Swally by hoy, sloop, and country boats to prevent any dispute or danger in the event of Shivaji's attack. In another meeting on September 16, 1670, the Council noted the merchants' willingness to sell their goods at lower rates due to the continuous fear caused by Shivaji's preparations against the province.

Map showing location of EIC Factory in Surat

On October 24, 1670, Shivaji, leading 15,000 horse and foot soldiers, appeared at the gates of Surat after marching through the forests of Jawhar and Ramnagar. The English Council of Surat, which had gone to Swally for the lading of Europe ships, received sudden news of Shivaji's approach within 20 miles of Surat. At that time, there were three English ships - the Berkeley Castle, the Experiment, and the Hannibal - at Swally, with one more, the Loyal Subject, arriving on October 24. Additionally, the Blessing, owned by the King of Bantam, and the Loyal Oxenden, privately owned by President Gerald Aungier, were also present, offering potential assistance to the Englishmen. It is worth noting that Shivaji had commanded the party that had sallied out of the English house at Surat during Shivaji’s first sack of Surat in 1664.

Sack

Streynsham Master by Charles D'Agar.jpg

During Shivaji's approach to Surat, English President Gerald Aungier initially intended to defend the English factory himself but was dissuaded by his council due to safety concerns. Instead, they dispatched 40 men, led by Streynsham Master, to safeguard the factory. When Shivaji's army arrived at Surat on October 24, 1670, the Mughals retreated to the castle, leaving the city vulnerable to attack. The Marathas plundered and set fire to many buildings, including the great houses, but only the English, Dutch, and French houses, along with two Serais, stood their ground.

The Marathas launched their initial assault on the English house and the Old Serai. Despite facing fierce resistance, particularly from the English defenders, they eventually shifted their focus to the Old Serai. The Tartar occupants retreated to the castle, leaving the Serai vulnerable to plunder. Once the Marathas seized control of the Old Serai, they were able to bring the English house under fire. Streynsham Master engaged in negotiations with the Maratha forces, emphasizing the positive relations between the English in Mumbai and Shivaji. Eventually, Shivaji assured the English of their safety, bringing an end to the conflict. The New Serai, occupied by Turkish merchants, also came under attack but successfully repelled the assaults. On the third day, a Maratha officer advised Master to send a small present to Shivaji as a gesture of goodwill, which was well received, with Shivaji affirming his intention not to harm the English. Captain Anderson, commanding the King of Bantam's ship, the Blessing, rendered assistance during the defense of the English Company's house in Surat. With 20 men, comprising English and Javanese sailors, Anderson actively participated in the defense. However, one Englishman succumbed to a gunshot wound, and Anderson himself incurred losses of about Rs.8,000 in goods during the engagement.

At Swally, continuous alerts of Maratha incursions prompted defensive measures. English preparations included the construction of gun platforms and the relocation of treasures and goods aboard ships to ensure their safety. The Dutch, with 35 men in their house, avoided attack after receiving assurances of safety from Shivaji. In contrast, the French, despite boasting of their readiness for battle, made peace with Shivaji, offering valuable gifts and reportedly providing aid to the Marathas. The English, Persian, and Turkish merchants, though valiant in their resistance, were spared by Shivaji, who sought plunder rather than confrontation.

After the Marathas departed on October 6, 1670, looting ensued in Surat. Concerns arose regarding the behavior of the seamen deployed for defense, prompting the Surat Council to offer gratuities to ensure orderly conduct. Honors were bestowed upon Gerald Aungier and Streynsham Master for their roles in the defense. The plunder from the siege amounted to Rs.6.6 million, causing significant and lasting damage to Surat's prosperity. However, this setback led to a shift in trade dynamics, with merchants considering relocation to Mumbai, which offered security and favorable conditions. Consequently, Mumbai emerged as a prominent trade center, surpassing Surat in significance.

Aftermath

On the evening of the fifth day following the siege, the Maratha forces withdrew from Surat and began a leisurely march southward. In response, Daud Khan, dispatched by the Viceroy with the aim of intercepting the Marathas, ordered a cavalry detachment to harass Shivaji's rearguard. Simultaneously, the main body of the Mughal infantry blocked the Nasik pass to the south. Shivaji seized the opportunity to launch a sudden attack on the Mughal cavalry at Dindori, resulting in their decimation. Crossing the Sahyadri mountains, Shivaji's forces descended upon the rear of Daud Khan's army in the pass, overwhelming them in a easy victory.

Meanwhile, Surat was engulfed in chaos following the departure of the Marathas. Despite attempts by Imperial authorities to restore order, the situation remained dire. Villagers from the surrounding countryside descended upon the town to pillage, exacerbating the turmoil. Streynsham Master, witnessing the aftermath, noted that dealing with the previous sporadic attacks from Maratha raiding parties was comparatively easier than managing the influx of refugees flooding into the factory grounds. The English Company's defense had garnered widespread admiration, with a diverse array of prominent merchants, including Muslims, Armenians, and Banians, seeking refuge under their protection. The Muhammadan population expressed disillusionment with the perceived ineffectiveness of Mogul administration, praising the English as heroes. Such sentiments prompted influential figures, such as the son of Surat's wealthiest merchant, Haji Said Beg, to declare their intent to relocate to Bombay under English governance. This decision was emulated by numerous other traders.

The second sack of Surat dealt a severe blow to the city, from which it never fully recovered. Conversely, Bombay experienced tangible benefits as traders and residents sought refuge and stability under English rule.