As an expert in historical and cultural studies, I'd like to clarify the concept of the "Queen of India" within its historical context. The title "Empress of India" was a title used by the British monarch from 1876 until 1948, when it was abandoned after India gained independence from British rule. It is important to note that the title was not a position held by an individual woman from India, but rather a title that was part of the British monarch's official style. The title was first used by Queen Victoria in 1876, following a decision by the British government to elevate the status of the British monarch in India. This was in recognition of the formal end of the rule of the British East India Company and the beginning of direct rule by the British Crown, known as the British Raj. Queen Victoria was the first to bear the title of Empress of India, and she was proclaimed as such in a ceremony held in Delhi in 1877. The style "Her Imperial Majesty" was used from 1876 until 1901, when, following the death of Queen Victoria and the accession of her son, King Edward VII, the style was changed to "His Imperial Majesty." This was because King Edward VII was a male monarch, and the title "Emperor" is traditionally a masculine title, whereas "Empress" is the feminine form. The last monarch to hold the title was King George VI, whose reign ended with the independence of India in 1948. The British monarch's role in India was purely ceremonial, and the actual governance of the country was carried out by British officials and administrators. It is also worth noting that the British monarch's role in India was a source of controversy and resistance among the Indian population. The struggle for Indian independence was a long and often violent one, with many Indians seeking to end British rule and establish a sovereign state. In summary, the title "Queen of India" is historically associated with the British monarch, specifically referring to the period when India was under British rule. The title was used to denote the British monarch's status as the head of state of British India. After India's independence, the title was no longer used, and the British monarch's connection to India was significantly reduced. read more >>

Emperor of IndiaStyleHer Imperial Majesty 1876-C1901 His Imperial Majesty 1901-C48First monarchQueen VictoriaLast monarchKing George VIFormation1 May 18766 more rowsread more >>