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Mirza Sheikh I’tesamuddin: The First Indian in England and His Astonishing Observations of the 18th-Century World
An 18th-Century Mughal Diplomat’s Unfiltered Journey Through Europe, Africa, and Beyond
In 1765, an inquisitive traveler from the far-flung Mughal Empire embarked on a journey that would make history. Mirza Sheikh I’tesamuddin, a diplomat sent to Europe by the Mughal emperor, became the first recorded Indian to set foot in England.
However, his supposed mission turned into an unexpected adventure across continents, exposing him to the peculiarities between European, African, and Asian cultures. His memoir, Shigurf Nama-i-Vilayet, offers a uniquely personal, yet controversial account of 18th-century global society.
A Diplomatic Mission That Never Reached Its Goal
Mirza was a privileged and wealthy noble from Bengal who once worked for the British East India Company. His reputation and closeness to the Bengal Sultan enabled him to forge connections with key individuals, and soon led him to the court of the Mughal emperor.
He was tasked with delivering a letter and a gift of 100,000 rupees to George III, in exchange for military support for the Mughal Empire. However…
