Question

Mughal Emperor Jahangir gave the title 'English-Khan’ to :
1. Albuquerque
2. Francisco de Almeida
3. William Hawkins
4. Henry the Navigator

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : William Hawkins

The correct answer is William Hawkins.

• William Hawkins was well versed in Turkish. 
• Jahangir and some of his ministers also knew Turkish, the native tongue of Babur. 
• He was able to acquire a footing in the court of emperor Jahangir and in due course of time he got so intimacy with the 'talented drunkard' emperor that no Europeans had ever afterward.
• Emperor Jahangir called him “English Khan".
• Hawkins was able to persuade the emperor to grant a commission for an English factory at Surat but under the Pressure of the Portuguese Viceroy, the grant was withdrawn.
• He (Hawkins) lived in the court of the Mughal emperor till 1611.
• Hawkins tried to reverse the orders, but the Portuguese influence over the King was impregnable.
• On 2 November 1611, He returned in disgust.

• Afonso de Albuquerque was the second governor of Portuguese in India and is known as the founder of the Portuguese colonial empire in India.
  • Afonso de Albuquerque attacked Goa in 1510.
  • The ruler of Goa was the Sultan of Bijapur Ismail Adil Shah.
• Francisco de Almeida was appointed the First Governor and Viceroy of Portuguese India.
  • He was able to erect some fortresses at Cochin, Cannanore, Kilwa, and Anjadiva.
• Henry the Navigator:-
  • The Era of Discovery started in Portugal, under Henry the Navigator’s leadership.
  • Henry dispatched ships to chart and discover Africa’s west coast.