The British Raj in India refers to the period of British rule on the Indian subcontinent between 1858 and 1947. This period began after the British Crown took control from the British East India Company following the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and lasted until India gained independence in 1947. Here are some key aspects of the British Raj:

Establishment:

1858: The British Crown officially took over control of India from the British East India Company through the Government of India Act 1858. Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India in 1876.

Administration:

India was governed by a Viceroy, who represented the British Crown. The administrative structure included various provinces and princely states, some of which were ruled directly by the British and others by local rulers under British suzerainty.

The Indian Civil Service (ICS) was established to administer the country, with British officials occupying the majority of the senior positions.

Economic Impact:

The British introduced several economic policies and practices, such as the commercialization of agriculture, the development of infrastructure like railways and telegraphs, and the establishment of plantations.

These policies often benefited British economic interests and led to the deindustrialization of India's traditional industries.

Social and Cultural Changes:

Western education, legal systems, and the English language were introduced. The British also implemented social reforms, such as the abolition of sati (the practice of widow immolation) and the introduction of laws to improve women's rights.

However, British policies also led to social and economic inequalities, exacerbating divisions along religious, caste, and class lines.

Nationalist Movements:

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of Indian nationalism. Key figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose emerged as leaders of the independence movement.

The Indian National Congress (founded in 1885) and the All India Muslim League (founded in 1906) played crucial roles in the struggle for independence.

Partition and Independence:

The demand for independence gained momentum during the early 20th century, especially after World War I and World War II, when Indian resources and manpower were heavily utilized by the British.