Explanation:

- The sentence talks about the East India Company aiming for "self-aggrandisement," which means promoting oneself or one’s power excessively.

- Option 1: Humility - This means a modest view of one’s importance. It is the opposite of self-aggrandisement.

- Option 2: Exaggeration - This means making something seem larger or more important than it is. It’s similar to aggrandisement, not opposite.

- Option 3: Upliftment - This refers to elevating or raising something. It doesn’t directly oppose self-aggrandisement.

- Option 4: Elevation - This means raising to a higher position or level. It aligns more with aggrandisement than contrasts it.