Taj Mahal

From 1858 until 1947, India was ruled by the British Crown. Before and during this period, the British Raj (commonly called India) provided Britain with a lot of economic power. How could a country more than 10 times smaller completely take over? And what are the consequences we still see today?

1) How were the British able to take control over India?
2) Why were the other European countries that were active in India not succesful in competing with Britain?
3) What British influences can be found in modern Indian society? (politics, economy, etc.)