2. Formation of a Private Army
The East India Company commanded a formidable private army, comprising both British soldiers and Indian sepoys. By the mid-18th century, the Company’s military force had grown significantly, enabling it to exert control over vast territories. This military autonomy allowed the Company to engage in conflicts, suppress uprisings, and enforce its policies without direct intervention from the British government. This model of corporate military power draws parallels to modern private military contractors, who operate independently to fulfill corporate or governmental objectives.
