Question

Name the ambassador sent by the EIC to the court of Jahangir to get a Concession to trade with India.
A. Captain Hawkins
B. Thomas Roe
C. Robert Clive
D. Dupleix

Answer 1

Hint: The East India Company sent its ambassadors to India to create a better situation of trade and commerce for them through approaching the Mughal Emperor ruling India at that time. It wanted to convince the emperor for opening the Indian market for their business and to issue a Farman to avoid the possible barriers. It started using its diplomatic power to fulfill its objectives.

Complete step by step answer:
Thomas Roe was the ambassador sent by the EIC to the court of Jahangir to get a Concession to trade with India. The arrival of Thomas Roe to the court of Jahangir was an indication of the establishment of the British East India Company power in the Indian region. As the Portuguese already came to India and having good trade relations, the British also thought to make a profit through trading with India. Hence, after William Hawkins's unsuccessful visit to India in 1608, Thomas Roe was sent for negotiations with Jahangir. Jahangir was convinced and impressed by Thomas Roe and he welcomed him. Being a clever and skillful diplomat, Roe was able to get trading permission for the English in India. Jahangir issued a Farman to him to establish factories at Surat.
So, the correct answer is Option B.

Note: The document ‘Journal of the Mission to the Mughal Empire’ spreads light on Thomas Roe’s account of their journey in India in the 17th century. His journey in India was roughly three to four years yet he had a significant place in Indian history as he was the first English diplomat representing the EIC to get trading permits from India. Consequently, the EIC misused it and got expanded gradually by exploiting the Indian wealth and people.