Overview
After the British government took control of India, it tried to improve soured relations with the people of India. It supported big landowners, guaranteed princes their existing territories, and promised never to interfere with Hindu or Muslim religions. British disregard for the customs of the Hindus and Muslims had been a source of discontent in India that had helped bring about the Sepoy Rebellion. Despite the British attempts to smooth relations, intense anti-British feelings remained in India, and an independence movement developed. India finally gained independence in 1947.