Battle of Swally

Battle of Swally (Suvali)
Part of the Tenth English voyage to India
Date 29–30 November 1612 Location Suvali, Surat, Gujarat, India Result Victory for English East India Company
Belligerents
Kingdom of England East India Company	Portuguese Empire
Commanders and leaders
Captain Thomas Best	Unknown
Strength
Four galleons	Four naus, 26 barques

Kingdom of England

The naval Battle of Swally, also known as Battle of Suvali, took place on 29–30 November 1612 off the coast of Suvali (anglicised to Swally) Coordinates: 21°10′N 72°37′E / 21.167°N 72.617°E / 21.167; 72.617 a village near the Surat, city of Gujarat, India, and was a victory for four English East India Company galleons over four Portuguese naus and 26 barks (rowing vessels with no armament).

This relatively small naval battle is historically important as it marked the beginning of the end of Portugal's commercial monopoly over India, and the beginning of the ascent of the English East India Company's presence in India.

This battle also convinced the English East India Company to establish a small navy to safeguard their commercial interests from other European powers and also from pirates. This small beginning is regarded as the root of the modern Indian Navy.

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