How many years British ruled India?

The British ruled India for about 200 years, from the mid-18th century to 1947. The period of direct British colonial rule in India is often divided into two main phases:

East India Company Rule (1757–1858):

The East India Company, a British trading company, gradually expanded its influence in India through a series of wars and treaties. The pivotal moment came with the Battle of Plassey in 1757, after which the East India Company effectively controlled Bengal. Over the decades, the company expanded its control over other regions, including Madras and Bombay.

Direct Crown Rule (1858–1947):

Following the Indian Rebellion of 1857 (also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Indian Independence), the British Crown took direct control of India from the East India Company. In 1858, the British government enacted the Government of India Act, marking the beginning of the British Raj. During this period, India was under the direct administration of the British government, and various social, economic, and political changes were implemented.

The struggle for Indian independence gained momentum in the early 20th century, and after years of non-violent resistance and political negotiations led by leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, India finally gained its independence on August 15, 1947. The partition of India resulted in the creation of two independent nations, India and Pakistan.