"Raj" refers to the period of British rule in the Indian subcontinent, which lasted from 1858 to 1947. This era began after the Indian Rebellion of 1857, leading to direct control of India by the British Crown, replacing the East India Company. The term "Raj" means "rule" in Hindi and signifies the governance and administration established by the British. During the Raj, significant changes occurred in India's political, social, and economic landscape. Infrastructure improvements, such as railways and telegraphs, were introduced, but these developments often prioritized British interests. The period also saw the rise of Indian nationalism, ultimately leading to India's independence in 1947.