Henry Avery's audacious piracy ignited a global manhunt, turning the East India Company into a desperate chase across continents. The intrigue deepens as the podcast reveals the vital role of women in a male-driven maritime era, alongside the grim realities they faced. A fierce naval clash with Mughal forces underscores the brutal truth of piracy, challenging romanticized tales. The narrative twists with Avery's clever escape and the cautionary legacy he leaves behind, crafting a gripping tale of ambition, violence, and survival on the high seas.
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Avery's Plan
Henry Avery convinces a group of pirates to target Mughal ships returning from Hajj.
These ships, especially the Ganji Sawai, were known to carry immense wealth.
question_answer ANECDOTE
The Ganji Sawai
The Ganji Sawai, meaning "exceeding treasure," was built by Mariam Uz-Zamani, known as Jodhaa Bai.
She was a Mughal empress, the chief wife of Akbar, and the great-grandmother of Aurangzeb.
question_answer ANECDOTE
A Daring Heist
The pirates, despite having less firepower, targeted the Ganji Sawai, a Mughal treasury ship.
This ship carried not only riches but also important women, including Aurangzeb’s granddaughter.
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The book tells the story of Captain Avery, a pirate who cruises the coasts of Africa and India, using Madagascar as a safe haven. It explores the challenges of leaving a life of piracy and the adventures that follow. Written in a style that blends fiction with historical elements, it offers a unique perspective on piracy during the early 18th century.
The Life and Adventures of Captain John Avery
Rais'd from a Cabbin-Boy, to a King
Anonymous (attributed to Adrian van Broeck, a pseudonym)
This book, published in 1709, details the life and adventures of Captain John Avery, who rose from humble beginnings as a cabin boy to become a pirate king. Avery's exploits include his rise to piracy, his leadership of the ship Fancy, and his infamous raids in the Indian Ocean. The book provides insight into the life of one of Britain's most notorious pirates.
History and Lives of All the Most Notorious Pirates and Their Crews
Charles Johnson
This book provides detailed accounts of the lives and exploits of various pirates, including Captain Avery, Blackbeard, and others, offering insights into the Golden Age of Piracy. It includes descriptions of their actions, maroonings, and ways of living, adorned with illustrations of each pirate.
Pirates of the Eastern Seas
A Lurid Page of History
Charles Grey
Lieut.-General Sir George MacMunn
This book provides a detailed historical exploration of piracy in the Eastern Seas during the period from 1618 to 1723. It offers insights into the lives and activities of pirates during this era, highlighting their impact on maritime history. The work is edited by Lieut.-General Sir George MacMunn, adding depth to the narrative.
After robbing the fleet in a brutal, barbaric fashion, Henry Avery caused a diplomatic incident of global proportions. The Mughals were furious and the East India Company, which at this very moment was trying to make inroads into India, had to go into overdrive to prove that he was not part of the company. As a result, they undertook one of the greatest manhunts ever to try to catch Avery. It crossed the world, going to the Caribbean and eventually to the British Isles, but will they find him?
Listen to William and Anita to find out…
To buy tickets for Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence visit: https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/great-mughals-art-architecture-opulence?utm_source=empire_podcast&utm_medium=paid_editorial&utm_campaign=great_mughals_empire_podcast
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