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Indian Mutiny breaks out
Upset over the East India Company's long history of high taxation and local insensitivity, 85 sepoys rebelled. They refused to use bullet cartridges that were rumoured to be greased in cow/pig fat, violating both the Hindu and Muslim religions. Badahur Shah led a rebellion to free the imprisoned 85, leading to a year-long conflict that saw the EIC lose 1/6th of the control of India. The EIC was soon dissolved and the British Government assumed leadership of India, beginning the British Raj. -
Government of India Act commences
Nationalised the East India Company, granting Queen Victoria control over their territories. A Secretary of State for India, Viceroy, Legislative Council of 5 and India Council of 15 members was created. -
India's economy
India had a colonial tariff with Britain of 0% relative to 20% with the USA, prompting all business towards British manufacturers. Railway construction was similarly built to cater to British business interests. The Great Indian Peninsular Company built 4,000 miles of railway line in India. India's infrastructure was improved primarily to facilitate the transport of British troops across the region. -
Disraeli names Queen Victoria as 'Empress of India'
The Indian military was changed accordingly, with disloyal Bengals resuting in 62 out of 74 Bengali regiments disbanded. No indigneous Indians could become officers, Indians were mixed by caste and religion as troops and Gurkhas and Sikhs were rewarded for their loyalty. Indians were also used to suppress the Arabi Revolt -
Exports
India's main export throughout the British Empire was tea, but it also exported opium to China which contributed to the Opium Wars