Years of Expansion, 1630–1658

Abstract

In the ‘twenties of the seventeenth century the Dutch had consolidated their position in Coromandel in the face of many difficulties. In the ‘thirties, with increased resources, they could further develop their trade and extend it to other regions from the coast, though wars, famine and official rapacity continued to plague them. The policy of making the inter-Asian trade pay for itself, which had found general acceptance, led to the establishment of close commercial links between Coromandel and other parts of Asia. From a weak commercial body desperateley fighting for survival, the Company became something of a power in the land. A bold act of aggression against the Portuguese in 1642 symbolised this changed state of affairs.