Episode notes
In this gripping episode, we set sail beyond the familiar waters of Caribbean piracy and plunge into the far more complex and underexplored world of piracy in the Indian Ocean—focusing especially on the Malabar Coast. Drawing from a rich collection of historical sources, we uncover how piracy in this region was not just a criminal nuisance but a deeply entrenched force shaping maritime politics, trade, and colonial ambitions. We spotlight the formidable Angria clan, who defied the British East India Company with fortified strongholds and blockades, challenging European control over Indian waters. Alongside these local powers, we examine one of history’s most audacious pirate attacks: Henry Every’s infamous hijacking of the Mughal treasure ship Ganji Sawi, an event that rocked empires and triggered international fallout. Through these nar ...