Richard Keigwin (colonial administrator)

Richard Keigwin (fl. 17th century) was an English colonial administrator who served as the Governor of Bombay (present-day Mumbai) from 1683 to 1684. Appointed by the East India Company, Keigwin is best known for leading a rebellion against the Company's authority in Bombay, often referred to as "Keigwin's Rebellion."

Keigwin and his troops, dissatisfied with the Company's administration and perceived grievances concerning pay, promotions, and the Company's shifting relationship with the English Crown, seized control of Bombay in December 1683. He declared Bombay to be under the direct authority of King Charles II of England, rejecting the East India Company's claim to the territory.

Keigwin's rebellion lasted for approximately eleven months. While he enjoyed some initial support, the lack of clear royal backing and the Company's eventual response led to his downfall. The East India Company dispatched a fleet under the command of Sir Thomas Grantham. Grantham offered amnesty to the rebels and promised to address their grievances.

Faced with mounting pressure and the prospect of prolonged conflict, Keigwin ultimately surrendered in November 1684. He was pardoned by King James II (who had succeeded Charles II) and later received a sum of money from the East India Company. The rebellion highlights the tensions between the East India Company and its employees, as well as the complex political landscape of colonial India in the 17th century. After the rebellion, Keigwin remained in the service of the East India Company, although his specific roles after the event are not extensively documented.