Page 16 - All About History - Issue 16-14

Transport

Day in the life

A CAPTAIN OF THE

EAST INDIA COMPANY

PROVIDING EXOTIC GOODS TO THE BRITISH

EMPIRE, EAST INDIES, 18TH CENTURY

One of the largest and most prominent organisations in the British
Empire, the East India Company’s peak was in the 18th century
when Britain’s trading presence was most strongly felt in the Indian
subcontinent. At its height, the company transported all manner of
goods around the world. The captains guided their vessels around
the world and were vital cogs of this industry. Life was tough
on the open sea, with its piracy, storms and long hours,
but there was also the opportunity for them to
line their own pockets…
LOCAL EMPLOYMENT

A captain had to make sure he had a
full crew so he could safely travel the
long distances expected. To satisfy
these demands, Indian locals were often
employed. The captain would choose from
the neighbouring area those he felt were
best suited for the role. Locals, known as A British copper coin from 1808
Lascars, were most commonly hired and with the East India Company logo
emblazoned on it
upon training worked extremely hard for
little pay, which could be as little as five
per cent of a British sailor’s wages.

RENDEZVOUS WITH
SUPERIORS

A captain was constantly in communication
with either London or the East India House. The
Empire’s capital didn’t always have the final say,
though, and less direction came from London as
time wore on, giving the captains greater autonomy.
A captain would try to manufacture decisions that A depiction of the activity
would benefit him and his ship as he tried to climb around an East India Company
ship in the 17th century
the company ladder for personal gain.
TRADE ROUTES “ Some captains made secret

Various routes were devised by the East India trade negotiations, often
Trading Company to navigate to India efficiently.
The Suez Canal was not opened until 1869 so against the company’s – and
ships had to journey around Africa to travel from London’s – wishes”
Britain to India. In the age of sail, this took months

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