When Thomas Roe was sent by King James I to be ambassador to the Mughal Empire in 1615, he discovered a vast and sophisticated polity that far surpassed England in population, wealth and military might.

Paul and Miranda explore this early encounter between England and India with historian Nandini Das, author of 'Courting India: England, Mughal India and the Origins of Empire' (Bloomsbury). Nandini paints a wonderfully vivid picture of courtly extravagance, cultural misunderstandings and colonial competition.

'1666 and All That' is presented by Paul Lay and Miranda Malins. The producer is Hugh Costello. Original music by George Taylor. The episode is mixed by Alfie Thompson.

You can visit our website at www.podpage.com/1666-and-all-that/