William Hawkins

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One of the first Englishmen to come to the Mughal court during the reign of fourth Mughal Emperor Jahangir, Captain William Hawkins was sent as ambassador by the British King James I to the Mughal court. Though favourbaly received by Jahangir, he was unsuccessful in securing the permit to settle at Surat due the opposition of the Portuguese and the merchants of Surat. He was given a mansab of 400 by Jahangir. 
 
Hawkins remained at the Mughal court from 1609 to 1611. He has left a valuable account of his experiences in India.


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