Aaron Baker

Aaron Eli Baker (1610–1683) of Bowhay in the parish of Exminster, near Exeter, Devon, was an English colonial agent of the Honourable East India Company, who served as the first President of the Madras Presidency (1652-1655). He was for the duration of twenty years President of Bantam in the East Indies. He made a fortune in the East India trade.

Baker was born in the parish of Alphington, near Exeter, Devon, as is recorded on his mural monument in Dunchideock Church.

Baker was the first President of Madras when the Presidency of Fort St George was created in the year 1652. He served as President from 1652 to 1655. In 1652-53, caste conflicts arose between "left-hand" and "right-hand castes" which was settled by the English, who reserved the eastern half of the Indian quarter of the city for the "left-hand" castes and the western half of the quarter for the "right-hand" castes. During this period the area around Madras was in great turmoil due to the rebellion of Mir Jumla against his overlord in Golconda. During this time Bala Rao, the chief of Poonamallee, raised the customs duties on English goods thereby causing a drastic increase in prices. Madras was besieged by Bala Rao and his colleague, Tupaki Krishnappa Naick. This blockade and the economic boycott of English trade by Bala Rao forced the English to reduce Fort St George from a Presidency to an Agency at the termination of Baker's term of office.

Private trade was eventually allowed while holding Presidency positions but had at first been frowned upon; both Aaron Baker and Sir Edward Winter were ultimately dismissed for engaging in it.

Baker retired to Bowhay in the parish of Exminster, Devon, England, with the fortunes he earned. In 1669 he rebuilt the north chancel aisle of St. Michael's church in Dunchideock, near Exminster, where is a monument to his memory.

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