Which British company ruled India until 1858?

The East India Company ruled large parts of India until 1858. Although founded as a trading corporation, it gradually acquired armies, territories, tax-collecting powers, and the administrative functions of a government.

The company’s political rise accelerated after the Battle of Plassey in 1757, when its forces defeated the Nawab of Bengal. After the Battle of Buxar in 1764, the Mughal emperor granted the company revenue-collection rights in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. From these bases, it expanded through warfare, alliances, annexations, and treaties with Indian rulers.

Company rule ended after the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The Government of India Act 1858 transferred the company’s governing powers, territory, revenues, and military forces to the British Crown. This created the British Raj, with India administered directly in the name of Queen Victoria.

A common mix-up is saying the company disappeared immediately in 1858. Its governing role ended then, but the corporation survived in a reduced form until 1874. The quiz answer refers specifically to the company that exercised political rule over India.