Britain desired to have greater economic, political and social influence on India. Although the British never maintained a notable military existence in India, they were able to maintain political control. Many changes have been brought about, which have benefited India, but there have also been some that have contributed to its deterioration. Despite the negative impacts that Britain left on India, imperialism is best understood as a strong country extending its authority, in order to increase its wealth, bringing more of the world under its control, because Britain contributed to the development of India from a nation-state, into a unified country, which is modernly the largest democracy in the world. Britain, a strong nation, called for greater influence over the economic, political and social lives of the Indian people. They were determined to shape the economy of India, for the benefit of European economies. Britain also wanted people to adopt their own customs. Initially, the British government controlled the East India Company's efforts in both India and London. Until the early nineteenth century, the East India Company ruled India with very little intrusion from the British government. The company had its own army, led by British officers and was staffed by sepoys, who were Indian soldiers. The management of the British East India Company represented Great Britain in India. Originally, the British valued India, not for its profits, but for its potential for success. By the Industrial Revolution, Britain had transformed itself into an international factory, with India as the supplier of raw materials. The British considered India its “crown jewel”. They thought of India as the most precious and valuable government, pushing their prized colony into the modern world of industry, economics and education and unknowingly preparing India for its future independence.Works Cited"The Value of imperialism for European countries until the beginning of the 20th century [History notes] » Intense reflection." Intense Cogitation » Your source for IB help and college advice. Np, nd Web. 21 February 2011. “The Age of Imperialism.” Interaction models of world history. Evanston, Illinois: McDougal Littell, 2009. 791-795. Print.scandals, several major political corruptions. "HISTORY OF INDIA". A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety :: Indianchild.com. Np, nd Web. 21 February. 2011. .