Capture of Den Bengalske Prise

Prelude

In late 1642,^[3][17] following continued disputes between Danish India and the Mughal Empire, the governor of Tranquebar, Bernt Pessart, declared war on the latter.^[3][17][18] Quickly after the declaration of war,^[17] a couple of Danish India's best yachts,^[2] Fortuna and Valby,^[3][17] were armed^[3][2] with cannons and men^[3] and sent to Bengal to initiate the war^[2] as privateers.^[3]

Claus Rytter account

According to Dutch historians and numismatists Jan Lingen and Jan Lucassen, Den forgyldte Sol undertook the expedition that captured Den Bengalske Prise.^[22] This took place in April 1642,^[23] and Claus Rytter led the expedition.^[19] Nevertheless, this version is inconsistent with Danish author Asta Bredsdorff's, who mentions Rytter in the same timespan as conducting a voyage to the port of Bantam^[24] on Den forgyldte Sol.^[25]

Ship taken to Tranquebar

The ship was subsequently brought to Tranquebar, where its cargo was sold, giving large profits.^[3] The ship itself was incorporated into the Danish fleet in India^[21][2][19] and armed with cannons from Fort Dansborg.^[3][26] Renamed Den Bengalske Prise, the ship would serve the D.E.I.C. for some years.^{[3][21][2][27]}

The war would be resumed at the arrival of Willem Leyel,^[28][2] with several successful expeditions to Bengal during the winter of 1643–1644.^{[29][30][31][1]}