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India
The first century of British influence

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History > India and European expansion, c. 1500–1858 > The extension of British power, 1760–1856 > The first century of British influence

The onset of British influence in India differed both in manner and in kind from that of other historical invasions. The British came neither as migrating hordes seeking new homes nor, originally, as armies seeking plunder or empire. They had no missionary zeal. Yet eventually they did more to transform India than did any previous ruling power. This apparent paradox requires some explanation.


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