Forgotten History Uncovered: Early British Trade Settlements in Bengal Revealed
The early history of the Company's trade and settlements in the Bay of Bengal between 1630 and 1650 is not well-documented. The surviving correspondence from India during this time is incomplete, making it challenging to trace the Company's activities accurately. The first direct letter from Bengal to the Company was sent in 1642, and the first letter from the Company to Bengal was in 1657. The earliest known letter defending against charges was dated 1650. This period remains somewhat unclear due to the lack of comprehensive records, making it difficult to fully understand the Company's early presence in Bengal.