modern history

British Rule in India

Period from 1757 to 1947 under British administration, divided into Company Rule (1757-1857) and British Crown Rule (1858-1947).

East India Company (EIC)

A trading company formed in 1599 that established control over India during Company Rule.

Royal Charter

Official document granted by Queen Elizabeth I in 1600, allowing the East India Company to trade in India.

William Hawkins

An envoy who arrived in India in 1608 representing the East India Company, seeking trade permissions from Emperor Jahangir.

Jahangir

Mughal Emperor known for his artistic skills during the time of William Hawkins.

Battle of Plassey

The 1757 battle that marked the beginning of British Company Rule in India after the defeat of Siraj-ud-Daulah.

Permanent Settlement System

Introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 for land revenue collection during Company Rule.

Doctrine of Lapse

Policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie that contributed to political dissatisfaction leading to the Revolt of 1857.

Revolt of 1857

Major uprising against Company Rule, led by key figures like Mangal Pandey and Rani Lakshmibai, ultimately failing but ending Company Rule.

Government of India Act (1858)

Transferred control of India from the East India Company to the British Crown.

Empress of India

Title given to Queen Victoria in 1877, symbolizing British control over India.

Quit India Movement

A mass protest demanding British withdrawal from India, led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942.

India's Independence

Achieved on August 15, 1947, with Jawaharlal Nehru as the first Prime Minister, leading to partition and communal unrest.