While the Siege of Gingee raged between the Mughals and Marathas, the English East India Company quietly expanded their territorial holdings in South India through careful diplomacy and strategic negotiations with Mughal officials.
The 1693 Village Grants
In 1693, Nawab Asad Khan, the Grand Vizier, granted a parwana (official permit) for three villages near Madras. Governor Yale had applied for these villages in the previous year. However, complications arose when two of these villages were also claimed by Velayuda Arasama Nayak, who said they were part of a jaghir (land grant) given to him by Zulfikar Khan.
To resolve this dispute, the English Governor approached Zulfikar Khan directly. Khan had to issue a fresh grant for the disputed villages to override his earlier gift to Arasama Nayak, ensuring the English got clear title to their territories.
Higginson’s Diplomatic Appeals
In February 1694, President Higginson of the Madras Council wrote to Asad Khan, highlighting the English Company’s long service to the Mughal Empire. In his letter, Higginson reminded the Grand Vizier that the Company had served the empire for 37 years, providing provisions to Mughal camps at Gingee and Wandiwash.
Higginson mentioned that they had received a neshawn (order) from Prince Kam Baksh for three towns as a free gift, along with Asad Khan’s seal and parwana. However, he complained that despite repeated promises, the promised royal phirmaund (imperial decree) had never been delivered.
Dr. Brown’s Mission to Gingee
In 1693, Dr. Samuel Brown traveled from Madras to Gingee to negotiate with Kasim Khan, who was designated to become the new Nawab of the Carnatic. Brown’s mission was to obtain a parwana for six villages on the northern side of Madras.
Later, in July 1695, the Madras Council sent their Indian agent Narayanan to request Zulfikar Khan to grant them the village of Vepery. This village was strategically important because it was located between the three villages already granted in 1693, and today it forms an integral part of Madras city.
Governor Harrison’s Historical Account
In 1711, Governor Edward Harrison wrote a detailed account to the Bengal Council, tracing the history of English territorial acquisitions. According to Harrison’s records, the English had enjoyed peaceful possession of their privileges until the Mughals arrived in South India to conquer Golconda and Bijapur.
Early Diplomatic Efforts (1688)
In 1688, Governor Yale sent an Armenian named Ovannes to serve as their vakeel (representative) in the Mughal camp to negotiate for a phirmaund. Ovannes reported that negotiations were nearly successful when news arrived that Sir John Child at Bombay had made peace with the Mughals in 1698 and would receive a general phirmaund covering Madras and Bengal. This development stopped Yale’s negotiations, and Ovannes was ordered to stop distributing money until further instructions.
The 1692 Mission
The next major effort came in 1692 when Prince Kam Baksh, Asad Khan, and Zulfikar Khan were at Gingee. Yale sent Richard Trenchfield and John Pitt with considerable presents to negotiate with them. This mission was successful – they obtained:
- Permission for their mint
- A neshawn from the Prince
- A parwana and dustuck from Asad Khan
Although a phirmaund was promised, it was never delivered.
Higginson’s 1695 Attempt
President Higginson made another attempt in 1695 when Zulfikar Khan was campaigning near Vellore. However, all Higginson could secure were parwanas to confirm their existing privileges. No new phirmaund was granted.
Notably, on February 10, 1693, Asad Khan had granted the villages of Egmore, Pursawaukum, and Tandore to the English.
Fort St. David Acquisition
The English acquired Fort St. David and Cuddalore in 1690 (though Harrison’s account mentions 1688) through a grant from Ram Raj, the Raja of Gingee. When Zulfikar Khan conquered that city, he confirmed the grant of Fort St. David and its dependent villages, allowing the English to retain their possession.
The Reality of English Expansion
Harrison’s account reveals the practical challenges the English faced in securing their territorial rights. Despite their long service to the Mughal Empire and repeated negotiations, they struggled to obtain a definitive royal phirmaund. Instead, they had to rely on local officials’ parwanas and confirmation from regional commanders.
The English noted that “upon alterations of Government the Great Men have been always troublesome and exacting of Money,” showing how political changes constantly threatened their holdings and required fresh negotiations and payments.
This period demonstrates how the English East India Company skillfully navigated the complex political situation during the Mughal-Maratha conflict, gradually expanding their territorial base while the major powers were occupied with warfare.