Quite striking geometry on that hilt! Yes, I would assume the EIC is East India Company. This whole piece was likely made in the mid-late 19th century, though the unusually angular hilt makes geographical attribution a bit difficult. I would say probably northwest/central Indian, based on the fact that the Rajputs were fans of tulwars with (relatively) spiky hilts, but it's possible it could've been made further south too. Many south indian hilts, when not elaborately chiseled/pierced/etc., were of relatively plain form, meaning they're a pain in the butt to track down lol. Regardless, I'd say north Indian is probably your safest/best bet here.
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