India Company

The India Company, often referring to the British East India Company, was a trading corporation established in 1600 to conduct trade in India and Southeast Asia. Initially focused on lucrative spices, it expanded to tea, cotton, and opium. Over time, it gained significant political power, effectively governing large parts of India. Its rule contributed to significant social and economic changes but also led to exploitation and unrest, culminating in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Following the rebellion, the British government took direct control, marking the transition from company rule to British colonial rule in India.