The British Raj was established in India as a result of the British East India Company's (EIC) conquest and control of the Indian subcontinent. The process began with the establishment of the EIC in 1600 as a joint-stock company that engaged in trade with India. Over time, the EIC began to expand its operations and eventually became involved in military conflicts with local rulers. By the 18th century, the EIC had gained significant control over large parts of India, and it began to establish its own administrative and judicial systems. In 1858, following a series of revolts and controversies, the British government took control of the EIC and established the British Raj, which was a colonial administration that ruled India until its independence in 1947.