Final answer:
The term "Raj" refers to the British Raj, which is the period of British rule in India from 1858 to 1947 after the dissolution of the British East India Company and India's governance by the British crown.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term "Raj" in the context of Indian history refers to the period of British Rule in India, which is the correct answer B to the multiple-choice question provided. This era, known as the British Raj, began after the Indian Mutiny of 1857 (also referred to as the Sepoy Rebellion), when the British East India Company's rule was deemed ineffective due to the unrest in India. Consequently, the British government decided to abolish the company and take over the administration of India, a process completed in 1858. The period from 1858 to 1947, when India gained its independence, represents the timeline of the British Raj during which the country was directly governed by the British crown through the Viceroy of India.
The transfer of authority from the East India Company to the British Crown was pivotal in altering the balance of power in the region, marking a significant change in India's governance and administrative structures. Queen Victoria was declared the Empress of India in 1876, reinforcing the British imperial presence in the country. Throughout the British Raj, India experienced changes in its social, economic, and political systems, but also saw the rise of the Indian nationalist movement, which eventually led to its independence.