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Bombay: The biggest dowry ever given in the history of mankind
In 1534, Portugal had taken control of an archipelago that included Bombay.
Key priority for them was the spreading of Christianity.
That ruthless desire to propagate religion - alienated the local population.
In 1534, Portugal had taken control of an archipelago that included Bombay.
Key priority for them was the spreading of Christianity.
That ruthless desire to propagate religion - alienated the local population.
Bombay was an unremarkable place prior to the Portuguese. And remained so under them.
British meanwhile were on an expansionary spree. They wanted Bombay as well. Then in 1661 something happened.
British meanwhile were on an expansionary spree. They wanted Bombay as well. Then in 1661 something happened.
A treaty was proposed between Portugal and Britain
The treaty was a marriage proposal. Between King Charles II and Catherine - sister of the Portugal King.
Bombay was offered as dowry. But it wasn't worth much. More needed to be given. And was
The marriage was a detailed document
The treaty was a marriage proposal. Between King Charles II and Catherine - sister of the Portugal King.
Bombay was offered as dowry. But it wasn't worth much. More needed to be given. And was
The marriage was a detailed document
The key part in the marriage document was a Secret Article. What was in it?
The King of England would have to help Portugal against the aggressive Dutch and Spanish.
Thus Portugal got the defence services of England while the Brits got wealth and newer assets.
The King of England would have to help Portugal against the aggressive Dutch and Spanish.
Thus Portugal got the defence services of England while the Brits got wealth and newer assets.
In 1662 the ceremony materialized. Orders were the given for handover of Bombay to the British.
On reaching Bombay and scanning the place deeply - the Brits were disappointed. As disappointed as Catherine was seeing the numerous mistresses of Charles
On reaching Bombay and scanning the place deeply - the Brits were disappointed. As disappointed as Catherine was seeing the numerous mistresses of Charles
The handover was not even going according to plan. The Portuguese Viceroy had issues with the Brits.
He tried to stall the handover.
After many mischievous attempts in handover, finally in 1665 the British got Bombay.
The drama doesn't end.
He tried to stall the handover.
After many mischievous attempts in handover, finally in 1665 the British got Bombay.
The drama doesn't end.
2 months later an official decree from Lisbon arrived suspending the transfer.
But by then the British had made their move occupying Mazgaon & Parel.
Then they grabbed Mahim claiming that as island could be crossed over from Bombay on foot, it was part of the same island
But by then the British had made their move occupying Mazgaon & Parel.
Then they grabbed Mahim claiming that as island could be crossed over from Bombay on foot, it was part of the same island
Later on - other islands were acquired.
But the challenges in managing a far flung island like Bombay didn't appear lucrative for the King of England.
He brought in a company that would take over Bombay at an annual rent of a petty 10 pounds. The company was East India Company.
But the challenges in managing a far flung island like Bombay didn't appear lucrative for the King of England.
He brought in a company that would take over Bombay at an annual rent of a petty 10 pounds. The company was East India Company.
What about the marriage?
She had a series of miscarriages and didn’t give birth to a child. Despite not being able to provide an heir to thr throne, Charles didn't divorce her. He died in 1686. But by then he had set the stage for Bombay to be reshaped forever.
She had a series of miscarriages and didn’t give birth to a child. Despite not being able to provide an heir to thr throne, Charles didn't divorce her. He died in 1686. But by then he had set the stage for Bombay to be reshaped forever.
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