Where was the Western Presidency of the East India Company situated in its early period?

Key Fact(s)

Surat was the first major English trading centre on the western coast and served as the administrative headquarters of the Company’s western settlements. Its importance stemmed from being a principal Mughal port connected to West Asian and European trade routes.

The English established their first permanent factory at Surat in 1613, which strengthened its status. However, due to Portuguese hostility and the superior harbour facilities of Bombay, the headquarters was shifted to Bombay (Mumbai) in 1687. Thus, Surat remained the Western Presidency’s seat only in the early phase of Company rule.