A more thorough explanation:

The East India Company was a British trading company that was established in the 17th century to trade with India and other parts of Asia. It was given a monopoly on trade with these regions by the British government.

Over time, the East India Company became more involved in political affairs than in commerce. It established its own army and took control of large parts of India, becoming a major political power in the region.

In 1858, the British government passed the Government of India Act, which transferred control of the company's territories to the British Crown. The company was dissolved in 1874.

Example: The East India Company was responsible for the establishment of British rule in India. It controlled large parts of the country and had a significant impact on its political and economic development.

Example: The East India Company was also involved in the opium trade with China, which led to the Opium Wars between Britain and China in the 19th century.

These examples illustrate how the East India Company was more than just a trading company. It had a significant impact on the political and economic development of the regions in which it operated, and its actions had far-reaching consequences.