It received its royal charter in 1600 and became a political power after the battles of Plassey (1757) and Buxar (1764).
Leaders included Bahadur Shah Zafar, Rani Lakshmibai, Tatya Tope and Nana Sahib. Crown rule replaced Company rule in 1858.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj, Dayananda the Arya Samaj in 1875 and Vivekananda the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897.
The Congress was founded in 1885. 'Lal-Bal-Pal', Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal, led its assertive wing.
Gandhi returned from South Africa in 1915. The Champaran movement of 1917 was his first satyagraha in India.
In 1930 Gandhi walked from Sabarmati to Dandi with 78 followers, from 12 March to 6 April, to break the salt law.
On 8 August 1942 Gandhi gave the call 'Do or Die'. The Cabinet Mission followed in 1946.
The Indian Independence Act came into effect on 15 August 1947. The Radcliffe Line drew the new borders.
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