The first British to establish rule in India was not an individual, but rather a company, specifically, the East India Company.
The East India Company's arrival in India marked the beginning of British influence which later transformed into formal colonial rule. Below is a summary of the key points:
- Arrival: The East India Company arrived in the 1600s, initially as traders. They did not start as rulers.
- Initial Activities: Their primary focus was trade, not governance. They established trading posts and engaged in commerce.
- Transition to Rule: Formal British rule did not begin until 1858.
- Duration of Rule: British rule in India lasted from 1858 to 1947 when India finally gained independence.
Therefore, to be precise, the first British "rule" was initiated by the East India Company, and later, the British Crown, not a single person, and this rule commenced in 1858.
