Sir Thomas Roe (1581–1644) was an English diplomat who served as the first official ambassador from England to the Mughal Empire in India. In 1615, he embarked on a significant diplomatic mission to the court of Emperor Jahangir, aiming to establish and expand English trade relations in the region.
Roe set sail from England in March 1615 and arrived in Surat, on India’s northwest coast, in September 1615.
After several months, he was finally received by Emperor Jahangir. During his tenure, Roe worked to secure trading privileges for the English East India Company, though his efforts met with limited success.
Legacy: Roe’s detailed accounts and letters provide valuable insights into the Mughal court and the early stages of English involvement in India. His mission laid the groundwork for future British engagement in the subcontinent.
