NIEUHOFF, Johan. Uelsen, Grafschaft Bentheim (Germany) 22.7.1618 — Madagascar 8.10.1672. Dutch Traveller in India in the middle of the 17th century. Son of the mayor of Uelsen, Jan van Nijhoff, of Zwolle, and Egberta Picardt. In 1640-49 in Brazil during the Dutch attempt to establish a colony there, then in the service of Dutch East India Company. Resided several years in Batavia, also several times visiting India, especially Kerala. In 1654-57 participated in the Dutch embassy to Peking. In 1663 as ambassador in Quilon, in 1663-67 in Sri Lanka. Accused for illegal trade in pearls he was imprisoned for seven months and fired from service. After a brief visit to home he was returning to Asia as merchant, but was lost on a trade expedition in Madagascar, probably shot by local people.
Nieuhoff was always travelling and had no time to finish his books, they were edited from his notes by his brother Hendrik. He was acquainted with Baldaeus. According to Oaten he wrote one of the best accounts of South India. He was skilled artist and added many pictures to his accounts.
Publications: Het gezantschap der Neêrlandtsche Oost-Indische Compagnie, aan den grooten Tartarischen Cham, den tegenwoordigen keizer van China. Amsterdam 1665, soon also in French, German, Latin, and English (by Ogilby, 1673).
– Zee- en Land-Reyze door verscheide Gewesten van Oostindien. Amsterdam 1682.
– Gedenkweerdige Brasiliaense Zee- en Lant-Reise und Zee- en Lant-Reize door verscheide Gewesten van Oostindien. Amsterdam 1682.
Sources: Oaten 1909, 245f.; Wikipedia with portrait and further references (see also Dutch version).
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