East India Company
in its original form "The Governor and Company of Merchants of London trading to the East Indies"; so the company is described in its charter, dated Dec. 31, 1600. Afterward, on July 22, 1702, "The United Company of Merchants trading to the East Indies." In 1749 the company plunged into the native wars of the Carnatic, and commenced a career of conquest which placed nearly the whole of India either directly or indirectly under the British rule. The victory of Clive, at Plassy (June The rise of such power excited in the une 23, 1757), over Suraj-u Anglo-Indian empire.
The rise of such power excited in the home government a desire to reduce it under their control; and when as early as 1769 the company wished the loan of two ships of the line and some frigates, the ministry in granting their request intimated their intention of vesting in the all maritime affairs. In 1773 the home government claimed that the territorial acquisitions of the company should be transferred after six years' grace to the crown, and change made in the constitution of the company, a Supreme Court of Judicature being also appointed in India.
Pitt's act (1784) established a board of Judicature being also appointed in India. control over the directors, which completely destroyed the independence of the control over the directors, which comlatter body. The company's charter was renewed with a few changes in 1793; subsequently at intervals of 20 years. In 1813 they lost the monopoly of the Indian trade, retaining that of China. This 1813 they lost the monopoly of the Inlast was taken away in 1833. The next renewal, that of 1853, was the last that took place. The Indian mutinies of 1857 renewal, that of 1853, was the last that last was taken away in 1833. The next and 1858, having discredited the company's administration, its political government was brought to an end on Aug. 13, 1858.
On Nov. 1, 1858, a proclamation made at Calcutta announced that Queen Vic- On Nov. 1, 1858, a proclamation made India. Finally the East India Stock Re- toria herself assumed the government of at Calcutta announced that Queen Vicbut not operative till June 1, 1874 latter date, dissolved the company itself.