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East India Company

English company
Also known as: English East India Company, Governor and Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East Indies, United Company of Merchants of England Trading to the East Indies(Show More)

East India Company, English company formed for the exploitation of trade with East and Southeast Asia and India, incorporated by royal charter on December 31, 1600. Starting as a monopolistic trading body, the company became involved in politics and acted as an agent of British imperialism in India from the early 18th century to the mid-19th century. In addition, the activities of the company in China in the 19th century served as a catalyst for...