Oxford and India

Oxford has had an intimate connection with India for many centuries. In the early years of European expansion, graduates from Oxford were  involved in the activities of the British East India Company. When the British Raj was officially established in 1858, Oxford trained many of those who joined the Indian Civil Service. This connection was often promoted by individuals, such as Benjamin Jowett. Jowett was Master of Balliol College and later became Vice Chancellor of the University. Three graduates of Balliol College went on to become Viceroys of India and Balliol College also trained almost one third of all graduates who entered the Indian Civil Service.