Bombay (now called Mumbai) was given to England in 1661 as part of the dowry of the Portuguese Catherine of Braganza when she married Charles II. This meant that the Goans of Bombay became English subjects.
Charles II loaned Bombay to the East India Company. Goa was one of the best natural harbours, located halfway between the pepper ports of south west India and Bombay or Surat. It became a frequent port of call for East India Company ships.
Three hundred 'Topaze' Indo-Portuguese from Bombay were in the British force. The word Topaze means that these men were Christians, who could therefore perform any duties that Hindus were not allowed to do. Hindu laws restricted work and food preparation to particular castes.
![To the.... Directors of the [East India Company].... this View of Bombay ....](/london/upload/img_200/PY2685.JPG)
View of Bombay. © NMM
