East Indiaman

East Indiamen were large, well-armed merchant ships operated by chartered trading companies such as the English and Dutch East India Companies, carrying valuable cargo across the Indian Ocean. Their wealth made them prime targets for Indian Ocean pirates, most famously Henry Every’s 1695 capture of the Mughal ship Ganj-i-Sawai.

Quick Facts

Ship ClassMerchant/Armed Trader
Era Used17th-19th century
Typical Crew100-150
Guns / Cannons20-40 (defensive)
Speed / HandlingSlow, heavily built
Notable UseHenry Every's 1695 capture of the Mughal ship Ganj-i-Sawai

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