View of Suratta or Surat & Fort, Antique Plan 1720
An antique 1720 plan with a view of Suratta or Surat and the fort. This Dutch engraved map of Surat measures 36 x 29 cm. After Calicut, Cochin, Quilon, Goa, etc, Surat also became a Portuguese colony from 1540 to 1612. The British first landed in the Indian subcontinent at Surat in 1608. Aggressively following Portugal’s huge success after success in trade and commerce with India and other far eastern countries.
After defeating the Portuguese and Dutch in many skirmishes the British decided to open a settlement at Surat. But they had to obtain permission from the Mughal ruler at the time, since Surat was under Mughal territory. The British subsequently went on to explore the eastern coast of India, opening settlements in Madras, Calcutta, and so on. These locations were just mere villages when they first set foot there.
Read more- When and Why British first landed on Indian Territory.
Did you know- Surat is the center diamond cutting and polishing. It accounts for a major portion of the world’s diamond cutting and polishing.
From the collection- Page From Rare 1713 Latin Book on Calicut., German Prince Wilhelm Special Train India Tour – Old Photo., Cotton Bales At Bombay Terminus – Old Print 1862., Vintage Cars Mumbai Mahabaleshwar Car Rally – Old Print 1906
