Directions: Read the following paragraph and answer the questions below.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the East India Company established a strong foothold in India. The Company's rule began to expand following their victory at the Battle of Plassey in 1757. This era, also acknowledged as "Company Rule," paved the way for British Imperial rule in India. The British government brought several socio-economic reforms in India, such as the establishment of railways, postal services, and the judicial system. Culturally too, the British presence substantially impacted the local traditions and practices. Some argue that these transformations became a catalyst for India's emergence as a modern nation. However, on the downside, these measures also led to significant unrest, and several revolts emerged. The most significant of these was the Great Rebellion, or Indian Mutiny of 1857, an extensive revolt against the Company's rule. This rebellion marked a turning point, leading to the dissolution of the East India Company in 1858, and the crown assumed control, marking the beginning of the British Raj.