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The Evolution of British Empire in India
Around 1800, the British started perceiving India as a potential empire. Initially, the focus was on trade with individuals like Warren Hastings ruling under the East India Company. However, as time passed, more elites became involved, driven by a desire for glory and empire-building activities. There was a shift from a focus on profit to a desire for a statement or a legacy. This marked the beginning of a conscious interest in India as an empire. The influence of British civilization and Christian missionaries also started to overlap during this time. While missionaries faced resistance from the East India Company due to fears of creating unrest, the elite believed that respecting Indian customs would ensure acceptance of British rule. This transition towards empire-building activities and the overlap with missionary work exemplified the initial trends of British imperialism in India during the 18th and 19th centuries.