The Company That Ruled India

In the 18th century, a private company ruled over millions of people with its own army,

navy, and laws. Body (5–50s) That company was the British East

India Company, founded in 1600 by royal charter. At first, it was just a trading

firm. It bought spices, cotton, silk, and tea.

But over time, trade turned into control. In 1757, the Company defeated

the Nawab of Bengal at the Battle of Plassey. The victory gave it political power

in India. By 1765, the Company collected taxes from Bengal, Bihar,

and Orissa. It maintained a private army of over 260,000 soldiers larger than Britain’s