Like other trading Europeans, the British arrive in India in the 16th century. In 1600 they found the East India Company, which has the trade monopoly for the subcontinent. In the 18th century, the trading company mutated into an extended arm of the British government. English becomes the official language, and the country flourishes in terms of infrastructure and education. In 1858 India became part of the British Crown.
At the same time, dissatisfaction with the imperialist attitude is growing among the population. From the 1870s, liberal nationalism gained strength in India as a counterpoint to British imperialism. Young Indians, well educated in England, return to their homeland and find themselves confronted with great injustices in Indian political life.
Around 300,000 Britons live in India at the beginning of the 20th century and try to maintain foreign rule over 400 million Indians. On August 15, 1947, British India becomes independent.
Source: KNA