Who gave Bombay to Charles II of England as a dowry gift for his marri...
Bombay (now Mumbai) was given to Charles II of England as part of the dowry for his marriage to Catherine of Braganza, a Portuguese princess, in 1661. The Portuguese handed over the islands of Bombay to the English crown as part of the marriage treaty. Charles II later leased Bombay to the English East India Company in 1668, which played a key role in the British expansion in India.
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Who gave Bombay to Charles II of England as a dowry gift for his marri...
Portuguese Gift of Bombay to Charles II of England
In 1661, as part of the marriage treaty between Charles II of England and Catharine of Braganza, the Portuguese princess, the city of Bombay (now Mumbai) was given as a dowry gift to Charles II. This was a strategic move by the Portuguese as they sought to strengthen their ties with the English monarchy.
Significance of the Gift
The gift of Bombay was significant for both parties involved. For the Portuguese, it was a way to secure English military assistance against their common enemy, the Dutch. The English, on the other hand, saw Bombay as a valuable port city that could serve as a strategic base for their expanding trade interests in the region.
Impact on British Colonial Expansion
The acquisition of Bombay marked the beginning of British colonial presence in India. The English East India Company, which was granted the rights to administer and develop the city, played a crucial role in the growth of British influence in the Indian subcontinent. Over time, Bombay became a key center of British trade and administration in India.
Legacy of the Gift
The gift of Bombay to Charles II had far-reaching consequences for both Portugal and England. It cemented their alliance against the Dutch and laid the foundation for British colonial rule in India. The city of Bombay, with its strategic location and thriving trade, later became one of the most important cities in the British Empire.