The East India Company began as a trading entity in the 1600s, evolving into a powerful political force in India. Key events like the Battle of Plassey marked its rise. Before gaining independence, India was one of the world’s wealthiest economies, yet its fragmented Mughal rule made it vulnerable to exploitation. The East India Company (EIC) capitalized on this opportunity, growing into one of the world’s largest business corporations. Internal mismanagement and uprisings led to the British Crown taking over in 1858, which continued until India’s independence in 1947.