This is the story of the British Empire in India. Over two episodes, we'll chart India's history from the birth of the Mughal Empire until the Partition of India. Joining us is Shrabani Basu, a journalist, historian and author of books including Victoria & Abdul: The True Story of the Queen's Closest Confidant.

In this first episode, Dan and Shrabani look at the origins of the British Empire in India. We hear about the reigns of the mighty Mughal Emperors and the appearance of a nascent trading company from a far-flung kingdom that would supplant them as the rulers of the subcontinent.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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