Empire Episode 200: The East India Company’s Global Manhunt

Release Date: November 5, 2024

In Episode 200 of Empire, hosts Anita Anand and William Dalrymple delve deep into the tumultuous saga of Henry Avery, one of history's most infamous pirates. This detailed exploration not only uncovers the audacious heists and strategic maneuvers of Avery but also highlights the profound geopolitical ramifications his actions had on the Mughal Empire and the burgeoning British East India Company.

1. Setting the Stage: Henry Avery and the Ganjisawai

The episode opens with Anand and Dalrymple setting the scene for Avery's most notorious venture—the attempted seizure of the Ganjisawai, a colossal vessel of the Mughal navy. Dalrymple introduces Avery as a cunning pirate strategist aiming to capitalize on the opulent Mogul convoys:

"We can get really, really rich if we just hang around these straits and wait for the Mogul parade to go past because they're laden with jewels on their way to Hajj." [01:08]

Anand elaborates on the Ganjisawai's significance, describing it as the "treasury on water," laden with treasures and vital to the Mughal empire:

"It just means exceeding treasure... it's the kind of the richest, the biggest, the ultimate possible heist that you could possibly go for." [02:06]

2. The Ganjisawai: A Floating Fortress

The Ganjisawai, captained by Mohammed Ibrahim, was no ordinary ship. With its impressive armament of 80 guns and a complement of 400 riflemen, it stood as a formidable opponent against Avery's fleet:

"It's got more firepower, William, than the entire pirate fleet combined." [03:35]

Dalrymple draws parallels between the unfolding maritime battle and cinematic epics, likening the pirates to the British attackers maneuvering like "tiny little mosquitoes" against the gargantuan Mogul flagship.

3. The Brutality of the Attack

As Avery's fleet closes in, the hosts recount the devastating attack that unfolded. Utilizing "chain shot," Avery's men successfully crippled the Ganjisawai by bringing down its mainmast and sabotaging its artillery:

"So in the very first minutes of the attack... the main mast is down and he says the English are not bold in the use of the sword." [09:03]

Anand emphasizes the ferocity of the confrontation, highlighting the chaos and subsequent hand-to-hand combat that ensued on the decks of the beleaguered ship.

4. The Dark Aftermath: Looting and Atrocities

The aftermath of the attack paints a grim picture. Beyond the vast sums of gold and silver, the Ganjisawai was transporting dozens of women, including members of Aurangzeb's court and captives sourced from various regions. The pirates' treatment of these women ranged from abduction to heinous acts of violence:

"Avery, overnight becomes one of the richest pirates of all time. Definitely the most successful pirate of his age. But... he was a mob." [15:02]

Anand and Dalrymple discuss the severe implications of these actions, not just in terms of immediate violence but also the long-term diplomatic fallout it caused between the British and the Mughal Empire.

5. Diplomatic Fallout and the East India Company's Predicament

The violent capture of the Ganjisawai ignited a severe diplomatic crisis. Aurangzeb, enraged by the desecration of his court members, viewed the East India Company with renewed hostility. The hosts describe how the Company, under immense pressure, had to navigate this precarious situation:

"You're in very serious trouble." [24:18]

Sam Annesley, the chief factor of Surat, spearheaded efforts to distance the Company from the pirates, offering compensations and engaging in frantic diplomacy to quell Aurangzeb's fury. The episode underscores the delicate balance the Company had to maintain to sustain its trading interests amidst colonial tensions.

6. The Global Manhunt for Henry Avery

With a substantial bounty placed on his head by both the British and the Mughals, Henry Avery became the most wanted man of his time. The hosts chronicle Avery's cunning escape from the Bahamas to New Providence, where he attempted to launder his ill-gotten gains:

"Anybody who's involved in law enforcement... they're all teamed up now because it is Operation Avery." [33:34]

Despite the exhaustive efforts spanning continents—from the Caribbean to the British Isles—Avery eluded capture through meticulous disguise and modest living, a stark contrast to his flamboyant pirate persona.

7. The Myth vs. Reality: Avery's Legacy

As the manhunt continued, legends about Avery began to overshadow the harsh realities of his exploits. Anand and Dalrymple explore how contemporary accounts romanticized Avery's life, portraying him as a dashing pirate lover rather than the brutal aggressor historical records suggest:

"But we don't know what happened to him, do we?" [39:50]

They highlight the disparity between eyewitness accounts, such as those by Muhammad Hashim Kafi Khan, and later fictional narratives that transformed Avery into a legendary figure akin to literary characters like Long John Silver.

8. Conclusion: The Enduring Impact of Avery’s Tale

The episode wraps up by reflecting on Avery's elusive fate and the lasting imprint of his story on pirate mythology. While some accounts, like that of Charles Johnson, suggest a tragic end in poverty, the true conclusion of Avery's life remains shrouded in mystery:

"We actually don't know. And we only have Johnson's word for this story." [39:57]

Anand and Dalrymple emphasize that Avery's legacy is a blend of historical fact and enduring myth, illustrating how piracy intersects with imperial ambitions and global trade dynamics.

Key Takeaways:

• Henry Avery's Strategic Prowess: Avery's successful attack on the Ganjisawai showcased his ability to challenge formidable naval assets, significantly impacting the Mughal Empire's maritime strength.

• Human Cost of Piracy: The episode does not shy away from the brutal realities of piracy, highlighting the atrocities committed against women and the devastating personal toll on those involved.

• Diplomatic Repercussions: Avery's actions intensified tensions between the British East India Company and the Mughal Empire, influencing colonial policies and trade relations.

• Legacy and Mythmaking: The transformation of Avery's image from a ruthless pirate to a romanticized legend underscores how history can be reshaped by storytelling and cultural narratives.

Notable Quotes:

• "We can get really, really rich if we just hang around these straits and wait for the Mogul parade to go past..." — William Dalrymple [01:08]

• "It's the ladies, and it's got very important women on board who... are members of Aurangzeb's court." — Anita Anand [05:22]

• "But we don't know what happened to him, do we?" — William Dalrymple [39:50]

This comprehensive examination of Episode 200 offers listeners a nuanced understanding of Henry Avery's audacious piracy, the intricate interplay between European powers and the Mughal Empire, and the enduring myths that continue to captivate imaginations today.