The term refers to the period of British rule on the Indian subcontinent between 1757 and 1947. This era began after the British East India Company secured control following the Battle of Plassey and solidified its dominance, gradually expanding its territorial holdings and administrative power. It ended with the partition of India and the creation of independent India and Pakistan.
The significance of this period lies in its profound impact on the political, economic, and social landscape of the region. British policies reshaped existing structures, introducing new legal systems, infrastructure projects, and educational institutions, while simultaneously exploiting resources and suppressing local industries. The legacy of this era continues to influence South Asia’s geopolitical dynamics and developmental trajectories.