Oxinden Embassy
By Surendra Nath Sen
Summary
Henry Oxinden's embassy to Shivaji's court in 1698, documented through his letters and John Fryer's published account, offers critical insights into Maratha political dynamics. Oxinden arrived in Raigad in March, facing delays due to mourning protocols for Shivaji's wife. After negotiations with Naragi Pundit, he secured audiences with Shivaji, who approved three payment installments (2,500 pagodas immediately, 2,500 at the first monsoon, and 5,000 over two years) for Rajapore customs. Shivaji also revealed plans for a June coronation on a gold-throne, inviting Brahmins with promises of elephants and horses, though uncertainty existed about his personal attendance. Military updates included Shivaji's strategic blocking of Bhadur's Concan invasion and the promotion of Anand Ray to replace slain general Pratap Ray. Anand Ray's subsequent victory over Bullooll Ckaun and Quider Ckaun in a decisive battle near Banapore highlighted Maratha military prowess. Oxinden also noted Siddy Sambole's naval clash with Daulett Ckaun, resulting in heavy casualties, and Shivaji's warning against granting the Siddy port access to avoid diplomatic friction. The account challenges Narayan Shenvi's claims about Apanda Rao's succession, emphasizing Bakkars' evidence over Jadunath Sarker's interpretations. Oxinden's detailed correspondence, yet to be fully published, promises further insights into this pivotal diplomatic engagement.
Conclusion
The Oxinden Embassy mission to Shivaji's court, particularly Henry Oxinden's detailed correspondence, offers critical insights into early Anglo-Maratha diplomatic relations, surpassing the brief accounts by Fryer and Payne. This document challenges Narayan Shenvi's claims regarding Apanda Rao's succession, emphasizing the reliability of Bakar sources and highlighting the embassy's role in negotiating trade agreements, including customs payments and monetary exchanges. Oxinden's firsthand observations also reveal Shivaji's preparations for coronation and military strategies, such as the blocking of Bhadur's Concan advance. These findings underscore the embassy's significance as a historical touchstone, enriching understanding of Maratha political and ceremonial dynamics during this pivotal period. The unpublished papers promise further scholarly contributions to Maratha historical studies.