The history of British involvement in India spans over three centuries, profoundly shaping the subcontinent’s socio-economic, political, and cultural landscape. Beginning with the establishment of the East India Company (EIC) in 1600, British interests evolved from trade to political dominance, marked by key events such as the Battle of Plassey (1757) and the transfer of power to the British Crown in 1858. The colonial era introduced modern infrastructure, education, and administrative systems, but these served primarily to exploit India’s resources for Britain’s benefit. Economic policies led to deindustrialization, widespread poverty, and recurring famines, while societal reforms often clashed with Indian traditions. The freedom struggle, driven by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, culminated in India’s independence in 1947, accompanied by the partition that created Pakistan. British rule left a mixed legacy, blending modernization with enduring challenges, deeply influencing India’s post-independence trajectory.