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The British colonization and occupation of India is taken as a given in many TLs. Many other timelines show India divided by European nations.

But in truth, India had many powerful, rich nations with cultural roots stretching thousands of years. It was a snowballing series of events that allowed the British to control India so easily, and even then, they were met with much resisitance. I would go as far as say that it would seem as unlikely as a single European nation controlling China. Yet, due to many causes, it happened.

But what would have happened if the Indian nations remained independent? What if the European trading companies, especially the British, did not manage to establish a foothold, or at least not the colonial control that we saw OTL? What would have been the (no doubt worldwide) economic, political and cultural effects? For the sake of practicity let's start with the British not being able to conquer Bengal in the late 18th century. But I welcome other PODs and comments.

Alternatively, what would have happened if the British colonies have achieved independence earlier, like in the Sepoy Rebellion?
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