NOTE: Also Remember Question demands events, not reasons, leading to gradual British control of india.

Annexation by wars and other steps to be mentioned

Points

British came for trade in 1600

They felt necessary to capture

indian territories for the continuation and promotion of the trade.

First war was Battle of Plassey 1757 in which Nawab of Bengal was defeated thus an Important State
came under British rule. The british used wealth of bengal to increase their power.

Second war was the battle of Buxsar 1764 in which mir Qasim combined army with nawab of Oudh and
Shah Alam II. After which bihar came under British control/influence.

After that the British wanted full control of south india to ensure their spice trade but the ruler of south
india Haider ali gave tough time to British and after his death his son Tipu sultan was defeated by the
British and after which south came under British control.

In 1818 the Marathas were defeated after their long resistance against the British. After which the whole
of Deccan and south india came under British control.

In 1843 sindh was annexed from the amir of sindh on the excuse of unfriendliness.

Punjab was annexed in 1849 after the death of Ranjit Singh, in the Two battles fought between them
after which punjab came under British control.

In 1852 the British annexed several states of india by applying the 'Doctrine of lapse'. In 1856 large and
rich state Oudh was under British control by the excuse of misrule.
Thus the British, due to their military and superiority, were successful in their attempt to take control of
the sub-continent between 1750 and 1856.