In 1611, they were successful when they set up their first factory in Andhra Pradesh’s Machlipatnam. They were given permission by the local ruler. Over the next years, the East India Company established more factories, and worked hard to gain a foothold in the Indian subcontinent. While doing so, they were constantly in the way of conflict, with the other European traders.
In 1612, the return to Surat and declared a war against the Portuguese traders. It was named the Battle Of Swally. Portuguese lost the battle. Following this, the Portuguese influence started diminishing, and they were mostly restricted to the areas around Goa. East India Company became the biggest player in the Indian subcontinent.
After this win, in 1615, the East India Company requested the English King James I, to send a royal representative to the Mughal emperor. With his aid, the Mughal emperor may be inclined to agree. So on behalf of the English Crown, Sir Thomas Roe was sent. A diplomat. He did what Hawkins couldn’t.
