Indian Antiquary Vol 58

SR No.: 032550
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Richard Carnac Temple, Charles E A W Oldham, S Krishnaswami Aiyangar, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarka
Publisher: Swati Publications
Publication Year: 1986
Total Pages: 408
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 20 MB

Page 125

JONE, 1929 ]
GEORGE WELDON AND ABRAHAM NAVARRO
118
THE MISSION OF GEORGE WELDON AND ABRAHAM NAVARRO TO THE
COURT OF AURANGZEB. BY HARIHAR DAB, B.Litt. (Oxon.), F.R.8.L., F.R.Hter:B.
(Continued from page 97.) In resuming our account of the negotiations at the Mughal's Court, we find that the envoys experienced some difficulty in obtaining confirmation of the privileges for Fort St. George, owing to the fact that the farmdns already obtained from the Kings of Golconda were not at that time in their possession. These documents, however, were subsequently sent to them. During the Company's war against the Mughal the authorities at Fort St. George had lived there" quietly and inoffensively win all people & Governmts, yet wee doubt yt will not be sufficient to protect us from their exactions & fresh demands of every new nabob other petty Govern" near us."36 They also believed that if the farmdn for Fort St. George could be procured from the Emperor, it would prevent all further disputes and troubles and give them unquestioned authority in their administration. As regards the Company's other settlements, they were obliged to accept the Emperor's conditions. Notwithstanding, before their departure in May they were able to communicate with the authorities at Bombay regarding a formal reception of the farman. Both received Serpawe st from the Emperor and Asad Khan.
Accordingly a consultation was held at Bombay Castle on February 25, 1689-90 wich respect to the communication from Messrs. Weldon and Navarro as well as fronı Mr. Bartholomew Harris at Surat. And it was decided by the Council that John Vaux, Deputz Governor of Bombay, should go to Surat for the purpose of receiving the farman. This choice of Mr. Vaux was endorsed by Sir John Gayer. It was further agreed that the Governor of Surat should be asked to furnish hostages guaranteeing Vaux's safe return after business in connection with the farmán should be concluded. On this condition nlone could he proceed either to Surat or to Swally. If this request should not be granted, then Vaux was not to proceed further than the river's mouth near Surat. John Vaux agreed to undertake the commission, trusting that his mission would be successful and to the advantage of the Company. Arrangements, therefore, were made for the garrison of the Castle to be placed under command of a suitable person until his safe return.38.
Mr. John Vaux, therefore, proceeded to Surat on March 6, 1689-90 to receive from the Governor with all dignity the much desired farman.39 At Surat he was joined by Mr. Harris. who with other members of the Company had just been " released from their Irons". They were attended by an imposing escort, including all persons employed in the Company's service. The farmán within a gilded box was delivered to them by the Governor in person at a special darbar and a " serpaw” was bestowed on Vaux as a mark of Imperial favour. After the opremony was concluded they returned to the factory in a triumphant procession. Their joy was short-lived. When the farmán had been translated into English from the Persian, it was found to the factors'" great amazement and sorrow instead of a farman answering to our articles & agreement we found it & worse sham story than the farmån yt came down in Mukhtar Khan's time.”40 Moreover, Vaux was obliged to remain as a hostage at Surat until the English should fulfil their part of the obligations. During that time he was subjected, as recorded in a letter to his father, to " Thousands of abuses from y Moors, web grat's hard against y® Grane of an Englishman."41
The Emperor issued a geperal farmán to the English on the 23rd day of the month Jumada 'l-auwal (February 27, 1689.90). This was to the effeot that they having submitted and requested a farmin; and having intimated through I'timad Khan their intention to present the Emperor with Rs. 160,000 to his " most noble treasury resembling y* Sun"; having undertaken also to restore the goods they had taken and promised to conform to the ancient customs
36 Soe No. 6721 of 0.0. 48, L.O. 37 Robes of honour (Pers. sar-w-pd.) 38 No. 6703 of 0.0. 48, L.O.
39 There is a reference to Vaux's landing in a letter from Mr. Harris and others, April 6, 1890, in Surat Factory Records, vol. 92.
40 See No. 5709 of O.C. 48, 1.0. 41 Addi. 4.8., 22,186 (Johnson Papora), B.M.