The Raj

The British Raj was the period from 1858 to 1947 when Britain directly governed India, after taking control from the British East India Company. It was characterized by British officials making major decisions, administration, and policies, while India remained an important colony for resources and strategic power. This era saw modernization efforts, infrastructure development, but also economic exploitation, social changes, and growing Indian independence movements. The Raj ended in 1947, leading to India’s independence and the partition into India and Pakistan. It deeply influenced India’s political, social, and economic landscape that persists today.