Why was Elizabeth called the Empress of India?

Answer 1

She was made Empress of India by the Royal Titles Act of 1876. In other words, it was the British parliament that was responsible for this. The initiative came from the Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli. The main reason given was that Britain was one of the few great powers that didn't call its reigning monarch an emperor (or empress). Some Members of Parliament voted against, saying it was like something out of a comic Opera. :)

Answer 2

Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon (1900-2002) was called Empress of India because she was the wife (Queen Consort) of George VI during the period he had the title 'King Emperor of India' i.e. 1936-1947.

In some senses it would be more strictly correct to call her 'Queen Empress Consort of India' or 'Empress Consort of India' but her title is/was commonly abbreviated to 'Empress of India'.

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EMPRESS OF INDIA

The first British monarch to take the title Empress of India was Queen Victoria, from May 1st, 1876, holding the title until her death in 1901.

This was during the period of the British colonial rule of India, 1858-1947.

Neither Elizabeth I of England (1533-1603), nor Elizabeth II (1926 - ), were ever 'Empress of India', the title of Emperor/Empress of India having been created long after Queen Elizabeth I's death but being withdrawn in 1947 i.e. prior to the beginning of Queen Elizabeth II's reign.

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Answer 3

Queen Victoria wanted to rule India because it had a wealth of Natural Resources. Adding it to the British Empire gave the Queen more wealth, a large territory and the ability to expand the British colonies.