British raj, period of direct British rule over the Indian subcontinent from 1858 until the independence of India and Pakistan in 1947. The raj succeeded management of the subcontinent by the British East India Company, after general distrust and dissatisfaction with company leadership resulted in a widespread mutiny of sepoy troops in 1857, causing the British to reconsider the structure of governance in India. The British government took possession of the company’s assets and imposed direct rule. The raj was intended to increase Indian participation in governance, but the powerlessness of Indians to determine their own future without the consent of the British led to an increasingly adamant national independence movement.


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British Expansion in India by 1857
After the Battle of Plassey in 1757, the British East India Company started expanding its control over various parts of India. By 1857, the British had gained significant territory and influence in India.

Territorial Gain
- The British had acquired large parts of India through various methods such as treaties, wars, and alliances with Indian rulers.
- They had established direct control over regions like Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, and parts of present-day Uttar Pradesh.
- Through the Doctrine of Lapse and subsidiary alliances, they had annexed territories like Awadh, Jhansi, and Satara.

Population Control
- The British had also increased their control over the population of India through administrative reforms and policies.
- They established a system of administration that helped them govern the vast population of India efficiently.
- The introduction of land revenue systems like the Permanent Settlement and Ryotwari system helped the British extract revenue from the Indian population.

Impact on Indian Society
- The British rule led to significant changes in Indian society, economy, and culture.
- The introduction of English education, modern technology, and new ideas had a lasting impact on Indian society.
- The British also imposed their laws, customs, and administrative practices on the Indian population, which further strengthened their control.
By 1857, the British had established a strong foothold in India, both territorially and in terms of population control. This laid the foundation for further expansion and consolidation of British rule in the years to come.