Empire Podcast Episode 216: Seeds of British India - England’s First Ambassador to the Mughal Court

Host: Goalhanger
Guests: William Dalrymple, Anita Arnand, Nandini Das
Release Date: December 31, 2024

Introduction to the Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe

In Episode 216 of Empire, titled "Seeds of British India: England’s First Ambassador to the Mughal Court," William Dalrymple, Anita Arnand, and Nandini Das delve into the intricate beginnings of British diplomatic relations with the Mughal Empire. The discussion centers around Sir Thomas Roe, England’s inaugural ambassador to India, and his ambitious yet tumultuous mission to establish a foothold in one of the world’s most affluent and complex empires of the 17th century.

Background: The Mughal Empire and England in the Early 1600s

Nandini Das sets the stage by contrasting the vastness and wealth of the Mughal Empire with the relatively modest stature of early 17th-century England. She notes, “The Mughal Empire controlled about one-third of the world's economy at this point, making England a mere speck in comparison” (11:15). This disparity underscores the formidable challenge Sir Thomas Roe faced in his diplomatic endeavors.

Sir Thomas Roe: The Man Behind the Embassy

Anita Arnand introduces Sir Thomas Roe as an Essex native with strong connections but little prior success in diplomacy. Described as a “young man with very good connections” (09:02), Roe’s appointment was partly a result of his financial desperation following an unsuccessful expedition to find El Dorado. His personal struggles, including familial tensions and financial woes, add depth to his character, portraying him as both a flawed and determined figure.

Initial Struggles and Cultural Missteps

Upon arriving in Surat, Roe and his entourage encounter immediate setbacks. William Dalrymple recounts the chaotic welcome, emphasizing the cultural chasm between the English and the Mughal courtiers:

“The embassy presented by the mural… was nothing like the reality. Roe was received not with awe but with customs inspections and disdain” (06:46).

Anita Arnand highlights Roe’s poor gifts—such as a virginal and a carriage— which failed to impress Jahangir:

“Roe unloads both of these things and he goes, oh, right. We need emergency artisans to repair both of them before I can give them or bring them anywhere near the Mughal emperor” (27:27).

These missteps reflect the broader issue of European diplomats' inability to adapt to Mughal customs, particularly in the realm of gift-giving and ceremonial behavior.

Navigating Mughal Grandeur and European Humility

A significant theme in the episode is Roe’s evolving understanding of Mughal culture. Nandini Das contrasts Roe’s detailed accounts of Mughal opulence with Jahangir’s lack of mention of Roe in his memoirs (07:31). Anita Arnand explains how Roe learns to navigate the intricate protocols of the Mughal court:

“Roe absolutely sets the tone of the European shirtiness, shall we say, when encountering Mughal grandeur” (19:08).

The speakers discuss the rigid bowing customs required to please the Emperor, which Roe and his men found humiliating:

“One is that you touch your hand to your forehead while bowing down from your waist three times… or kneeling down and touching your forehead to the ground” (18:15).

Roe’s gradual adaptation to these customs marks a turning point in his embassy, moving from cultural insensitivity to a more respectful and strategic approach.

Building Relationships: From Frustration to Understanding

Despite initial failures, Roe begins to form meaningful relationships within the Mughal court. Anita Arnand shares a pivotal moment when Roe and Jahangir bond over discussions about English beer:

“He falls to asking me questions how often I drank a day and how much and what in England, what beer was how made” (37:28).

William Dalrymple adds that Roe’s genuine interest and honest portrayal of himself helped bridge cultural gaps, fostering mutual respect and understanding. This interpersonal connection is crucial, as it humanizes both Roe and Jahangir, moving beyond initial prejudices and misunderstandings.

The Legacy of Roe’s Embassy

The episode explores the long-term impact of Roe’s mission on British-Indian relations. Anita Arnand asserts that Roe’s detailed diaries provided invaluable insights for future English endeavors in India:

“The East India Company kept these diaries… they would pass it on to later voyagers” (48:12).

William Dalrymple reflects on how Roe’s emphasis on courtly behavior and understanding Mughal etiquette laid the groundwork for the East India Company’s eventual success:

“They become the real pros at this a century later” (52:16).

Roe’s embassy, despite its challenges, established essential diplomatic foundations and demonstrated the importance of cultural sensitivity and strategic alliances in imperial expansion.

Conclusion: Lessons from History

In wrapping up, Nandini Das emphasizes Roe’s wisdom in diplomacy:

“It is better to lose time than temper in negotiation” (53:54).

The hosts acknowledge Roe’s complicated legacy—his initial failures tempered by his eventual successes and the enduring lessons his embassy offers for understanding early British imperialism in India.

William Dalrymple concludes:

“What fascinates me even more about Roe is the little interpersonal relationships he also builds up” (53:18).

This episode highlights the nuanced interplay of power, culture, and diplomacy that shaped the early seeds of British India.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• William Dalrymple [07:46]: “Jahangir doesn't even bother mentioning him once in his memoir.”
• Anita Arnand [18:15]: “There are two options… bowing down from your waist three times… or kneeling down and touching your forehead to the ground.”
• Nandini Das [37:28]: “It is better to lose time than temper in negotiation.”
• William Dalrymple [52:16]: “They become the real pros at this a century later.”

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights from Episode 216 of Empire, providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of Sir Thomas Roe’s pioneering yet challenging mission to the Mughal court, and its lasting implications on British-Indian relations.