‘Persian Gulf. Slave Trade. Importation of Slaves into Rassel Khyma and Sharga, by the subjects of Shekh Sultan bin Suggur.~’

Content

The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence and minutes, which are enclosures to an extract of a Political Letter from 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. to the East India Company Court of Directors The London-based directors of the East India Company who dealt with the daily conduct of the Company's affairs. , dated 31 March 1849. A copy of this letter can be found at IOR/F/4/2343/123024.

The item relates to investigations carried out by Moollah Houssein [Mullā Ḥusayn], Agent at Shargah [Sharjah], following reports of enslaved people being imported into the territories of Sheik Sultan ben Sugger, the Joasmee 'Chief' [Shaikh Sulṭān I bin Ṣaqr al-Qāsimī One of the ruling families of the United Arab Emirates; also used to refer to a confederation of seafaring Arabs led by the Qāsimī tribe from Ras al Khaima. , Leader of al-Qawāsim One of the ruling families of the United Arab Emirates; also used to refer to a confederation of seafaring Arabs led by the Qāsimī tribe from Ras al Khaima. tribe]. Moollah Houssein's report includes:

• Details of the people accused of carrying on the 'slave trade' [trade in enslaved people]: Syf bin Saleh [Sayf bin Ṣāliḥ] and the sons of Ali bin Ateek [‘Alī bin ʿAtīq, also rendered in text as Ateej]
• Details of the people who were enslaved and to whom they were sold
• A letter from Sheik Sultan defending his subjects, blaming the people of Lingah [Bandar-e Lengeh], and accusing people of Soor [Sur] and the rulers of Ejmaun [Ajman] and Amulgavine [Umm al-Qaywayn] of also taking part in the 'slave trade'.

Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , forwards on the report to 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. , alongside his own judgements on the subject.

The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Political Department', 'Draft No. 189 of 1850', 'Vol: 2', 'Collection No 4 of No 29', and 'Examiner's Office'.

Extent and format

1 item (8 folios)

Arrangement

The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the item. The item also contains a table of contents (f 129), noting ‘No.’, ‘From’, ‘To’, ‘Subject’, ‘Date & No of Docu[men]t’ and ‘Date & No. of Cons[ultation]’.

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 128, and terminates at f 135, 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/4/2343/123025

History of this record

Date(s)

5 Nov 1848-14 Mar 1849 (CE, Gregorian)

Subjects

Slave trade

Places

Shargah

People & organisations

Government of BombayPolitical ResidentNative Agent, Trucial CoastRuler of Ra's al-Khaymah and Sharjah

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Cite this record in your research

‘Persian Gulf. Slave Trade. Importation of Slaves into Rassel Khyma and Sharga, by the subjects of Shekh Sultan bin Suggur.~’, British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/F/4/2343/123025, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100098576014.0x000001> [accessed 20 July 2026]

Link to this record

https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100098576014.0x000001

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