The history of British colonialism in India is often painted with broad strokes, focusing on the grand narratives of viceroys, battles, and political machinations. But woven into this grand tapestry are the intricate, often overlooked stories of individuals who navigated the cultural chasm between colonizer and colonized. One such story is that of Ratan Sarkar, a washerman who, through a twist of fate and a dash of linguistic aptitude, became the East India Company’s first official interpreter in Calcutta, forever etching his name into the city’s history.

Shaista Khan and the Rise of Bengal as a Trading Hub

Our story begins in 17th-century Bengal, a region flourishing under the Mughal rule of Shaista Khan, Emperor Aurangzeb’s maternal uncle and the Subehdar (Governor) of Bengal from 1664 to 1688. Khan, a shrewd administrator, recognized the potential of European trade and through royal farmans (imperial decrees), he ensured that European companies, including the East India Company, could establish themselves under the supervision of Mughal authorities. This careful balance allowed the British to expand their commercial activities while maintaining Mughal sovereignty over the region.

The British East India Company and the Beginnings of Calcutta’s Trade Legacy

In 1680, the British East India Company set up its first trading post, or “Kuthi,” at Garh Gobindapur, near what would later become the city of Calcutta. Initially, the British came to trade spices from the East Indies, but the abundance of cotton textiles and other goods soon drew them into more lucrative trade with Bengal.

However, establishing a foothold in Bengal wasn’t a straightforward affair. Before 1679, European ships were barred from the Hooghly River, the lifeblood of Calcutta. Trade was primarily conducted in Baleswar (Odisha). But in 1679, when Shaista Khan granted the British permission to navigate the Hooghly, a pivotal moment shifted the centre of British trade to Calcutta. That same year, the British East India Company’s ship, the Falcon, captained by Stafford, became the first European vessel to dock at the nascent port of Calcutta, marking the dawn of the Age of Sail in the city.

The Vital Role of Local Merchants and Interpreters

The early days of British trade in Calcutta were defined by a delicate exchange of cultural practices, languages, and customs. The local Bengali business community, especially prominent merchant families like the Basaks and Seths, became crucial intermediaries between the British and the local population.

However, a key figure in this emerging trade network was not a wealthy merchant but a humble washerman named Ratan Sarkar. His story is a remarkable example of how local intermediaries, often overlooked in historical narratives, played a pivotal role in shaping the course of events.

The Arrival of Captain Stafford and the Language Barrier

The arrival of the Falcon, however, presented a significant hurdle: communication. Captain Stafford and his crew were unable to understand the local Bengali language, and the local population was equally perplexed by English. Effective trade and interaction were impossible without a bridge between these two linguistic worlds.

The Misunderstanding of “Dubaas”

Stafford, familiar with the term “Dubaas” (interpreter) from his experience in South India, sent a messenger to the influential Basak and Seth merchant families of Gobindapur, requesting a “Dubaas.” The Basaks, eager to maintain good relations with the British, found themselves in a quandary. “Dubaas” was an unfamiliar term in Bengal.

After deliberation, one of the senior members of the Basak family proposed that the captain, having been at sea for months, might be asking for a washerman—a “Dhopa” in Bengali—a term that sounded similar to “Dubaas.” The logic was simple: the words sounded similar.

Relieved by this explanation, the Basaks sent one of their washermen, Ratan Sarkar, to meet the British captain. Little did they know that this simple act would lay the foundation for an important cultural and economic relationship.

Ratan Sarkar: From Washerman to Interpreter

Fearful of the foreign sailors, Ratan was nonetheless sent to the ship, bearing gifts and wearing new clothes. When Ratan boarded the British ship, the situation became even more tense. In a grand gesture of respect, Captain Stafford ordered his men to fire cannonballs in a salute to the visitor. The noise sent Ratan into a panic, but despite the confusion and apprehension, he eventually presented the gifts sent by the Basaks, and the captain reciprocated with his own tokens of goodwill.

This initial encounter, based on a comical misunderstanding, became a daily routine. Ratan, through his interactions with the crew, gradually picked up English. He became the indispensable link between the British traders and the local Bengali population, transforming from a washerman to the East India Company’s first official interpreter in Calcutta. His newfound role brought him wealth and influence.

Ratan Sarkar’s Legacy: A Symbol of Cross-Cultural Mediation

Ratan Sarkar’s transformation from a fearful washerman into a key intermediary in the burgeoning Indo-British trade is a testament to the often-overlooked contributions of local individuals in colonial history. As an interpreter, Ratan bridged the gap between two vastly different cultures, helping to forge trade relationships that would define the future of Bengal and India under British rule.

The shift from Baleswar to Calcutta as the primary trading hub, facilitated by Shaista Khan’s decree and the subsequent arrival of the Falcon, underscores the strategic importance of Calcutta. And Ratan Sarkar, through his linguistic abilities and his willingness to bridge the cultural gap, played a crucial role in this transformation.

Ratan Sarkar’s Streets: Honouring a Local Hero

Ratan Sarkar’s legacy lives on in Kolkata today, with two streets named in his honour: Ratan Sarkar Garden Street and Rotu Sarkar Lane. These names, etched into the city’s urban fabric, serve as a reminder of the humble washerman who, through a twist of fate and a willingness to learn, became an integral part of Calcutta’s early colonial history.

Conclusion: The Unsung Heroes of Colonial History

Ratan Sarkar’s story is a powerful reminder that history is often written from the top down, focusing on the actions of powerful individuals. However, it is the quiet contributions of local figures—like Ratan—that have the power to shape the course of history. Through his work as an interpreter, Ratan not only facilitated the growth of British trade in Bengal but also helped to build bridges between the two cultures, making him an essential figure in the early days of British colonialism in India.

His legacy reminds us that even the most humble individuals can have a profound impact on history. The bustling streets of Kolkata, with their enduring tribute to Ratan Sarkar, stand as a testament to the vital role that local intermediaries played in the complex and often fraught relationship between colonial powers and indigenous populations.

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Hat Tip: Get Bengal