AD 1857-1947

Following the Indian Mutiny of AD 1857, the East India Company was accused of misrule and the Crown took control of British lands in India. Rulers of smaller independent states were assured that their lands were safe and that existing treaties would be honoured. About 40% of India remained under the control of these local rulers. However, the Mughal emperor was exiled and his heirs shot, ending the Mughal dynasty.

This period of British rule in India is sometimes also known as the Raj, from the Hindu word for ‘rule’. British rule brought new technologies and a world market for Indian goods, but Indians were not treated as equals and their standard of living was often far below that of their British employers. In 1885 the first Indian political party, the Indian National Congress, was founded with the intention of promoting the employment of Indians in government positions.

From 1915 onwards there was a growing campaign for independence, supported at all levels of Indian society. Although the British did make some reforms, they did not go far enough. During World War II (1939-45) the Indian Congress offered support in exchange for independence. At midnight on 15th August 1947 India finally gained independence.