India's British connection, under the East India Company and part of the Empire, had far reaching consequences on the sub continent's complex polity. The impact was loud and conspicuous on every aspect of life. The traditional cultures imbibed the new concepts of rule of law, justice, nationalism, social reforms and English language with enthusiasm. This well documented study underlines the real nature of British rule and the enormous amount of give and take between the two civilizations. It covers the wide canvas of attitudes, literature, art architecture, language and political philosophies shared by them. The processes of change began under British rule are still on, interestingly, with greater vigor after independence. As such the subject is both of contemporary and historical interest.