Opium

= Opium =

Opium, imported from China, is thought to be a gentle, mild drug with medical properties. It is used by both men and women.

1601 Ships chartered by Elizabeth I are instructed to purchase the finest Indian opium and transport it back to England.

1620s - 1670s Rajput troops fighting for the Mughals introduce the habit of taking opium to Assam. Opium is given daily to Rajput soldiers. From 1637 onwards Opium becomes the main commodity of British trade with China.

1674 In our game, English Apothecary, Thomas Sydenham, introduces Sydenham's Laudanum, a compound of opium, sherry wine and herbs. His pills along with others of the time become popular remedies for numerous ailments.