'Affairs of the Persian Gulf. Vol: 3.'

Content

The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, extracts of the Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. Political Consultations. It is the third in a series of four items on general affairs in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. (the others are: IOR/F/4/1398/55440, IOR/F/4/1398/55441 and IOR/F/4/1399/55442A).

The item is chiefly concerned with general updates of events in the Gulf over the period 1829-32. In particular, the item relates to:

• Reported acts of 'piracy'
• Disputes and general relations between chieftains of the tribes in the Gulf
• The resurgence of the Wahabee [Wahabi] tribe led by Toorky ben Saood [Turki I bin Abdullāh Āl Sa‘ūd] and details of their relations with other tribes
• The erection of a fort at Dareen [Dārīn] by Busheer, son of Rahmah ben Jabir [Shaikh Raḥmah bin Jābir Āl Jalāhimah], and its subsequent destruction
• Discussions about the legality of attempts by Rashid ben Humed [Shaikh Rashid I bin Ḥumaid al-Nu‘aymī], Chief of Eyman [Ajman], to kill his declared enemy on neutral territory
• Events at Bushire [Būshehr], including: rumours surrounding the visit and intentions of the Prince of Fars (also referred to as the Prince of Sheerauz [Shiraz]); disturbances following the death of Shaik Abdool Russool [Shaikh ‘Abd al-Rasūl Khān Āl Mazkūr], the Governor of Bushire; the arrival of David Anderson Blane, the new Resident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ; and proposed changes to the system of pilotage.

The item also includes an extensive report by Samuel Hennell, Assistant Resident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , on political transactions in the Gulf between 1817 and 1832 (ff 130-225). This report includes details of: an expedition by Major General Sir William Grant Keir; British involvement in the disputes between chieftains; incidences of 'piracy'; the activities of Rahmah ben Jabir; and descriptions of the Beniyas [Bani Yas], Uttoobee [‘Utūb] and Wahabee tribes.

The principal correspondents are: the Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. ; Major David Wilson, Resident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ; the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat; Robert Money, Acting Persian Secretary; Samuel Hennell, Assistant [and Acting] Resident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ; and Charles Malcolm, Superintendent of Marine, Bombay.

Most of the material within the item dates from 1829-32, however one enclosure includes copies of correspondence from 1810 and 1814. This correspondence relates to research into previous relations between the Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. and the Wahabees.

The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Political Department P.C. [Previous Communication] 1230, Draft 183, 1834' and 'Examiner's Office'.

Extent and format

1 item (225 folios)

Arrangement

The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the item. The item also includes a contents page (ff 5-6) noting: ‘Page’, ‘Date’, ‘From’, ‘To’ and ‘Date of Consultation’.

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 4, and terminates at f 228, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio.

Pagination: the item also contains an original pagination sequence.

Written in

English in Latin script

Type

Archival item

Access & Reference

Original held at

British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity.

Access conditions

Unrestricted

Archive reference

IOR/F/4/1399/55442

History of this record

Date(s)

9 Aug 1810-26 Sep 1832 (CE, Gregorian)

Related material

Related primary sources

Bombay Pol 16 Apr 1834, draft 183/1834, IOR/E/4/1057 pp 781-91

Subjects

PiracyTribal relationsReportsDiplomacy

Places

Persian GulfMuscatBhareinDareen

People & organisations

Government of BombayImam of OmanPolitical ResidentAssistant to the Political Resident in the Persian GulfRuler of Ra's al-Khaymah and SharjahTurki bin Abdullāh bin Muḥammad Āl Sa‘ūdWahabi (Tribe)

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Cite this record in your research

'Affairs of the Persian Gulf. Vol: 3.', British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/F/4/1399/55442, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/node/9538> [accessed 15 July 2026]

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