UPSC NCERT Notes- Governor, Governor-General and Viceroys

The Governor-General and Viceroys played a major role in the formulation and implementation of policies towards India. Their elite background, brinkmanship, and individual bravery proved to be crucial to securing the interests of the British Empire.
The head of the administration in British India was initially titled Governor-General of the Presidency of Fort William when the post was established in 1773. Initially, the office exercised direct control over Fort William but oversaw other officials of the British East India Company in India.
Until 1772, the Governor of Bengal managed the East India Company, and Madras and Bombay Presidencies had their separate Governors. Following the Regulating Act of 1773, the Governor of Bengal was elevated to the position of Governor-General, a structure that persisted until 1833, with Warren Hastings serving as the inaugural Governors-General.

Lord William Bentinck became the first Governor-General of India from 1833 to 1857 when the Governor-General of Bengal was redesignated as the Governor-General of India.

In the Government of India Act, of 1857, the title was changed to Viceroy, and Lord Canning became the first Viceroy of India.
The system underwent further modification with the Government of India Act, of 1935, reverting the post from Viceroy to Governor-General of India, a setup that endured until 1950.

Table of Contents

Governors of Bengal (1757-1774):

The East India Company established an administrative system in Bengal, with the Governor of Bengal serving as the top official in the hierarchy.

Robert Clive (1757-60 and 1765-67):

Clive assumed the position of Governor of Bengal after the victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757. Following the Battle of Buxar, he was reappointed as the Governor of Bengal in 1765.
During this period, Clive introduced the Policy of Dual Government in Bengal, which persisted until 1772.

Clive and Warren Hastings are considered the key figures in laying the foundation of British power in India.

Clive’s policies, however, have faced criticism, particularly for contributing to the famine in Bengal. In 1770, Clive established the Society for Trade, intending it as a monopoly, but the East India Company did not approve.

Governors of Bengal After Clive:

John Zephaniah Holwell served temporarily as Governor of Bengal in 1760 and survived the Black Hole Incident of Calcutta in June 1757.
Henry Vanisttart held the position of Governor of Bengal from 1760-65, during which the Battle of Buxar took place.
Harry Verelst was Governor of Bengal from 1767-1769, a period when Bengal operated under the Dual Government rule.
John Cartier served as Governor of Bengal from 1769-1772, and during his tenure, the first famine of Modern India occurred in 1770.

Warren Hastings became the Governor of Bengal in 1772 and continued until 1773, successfully abolishing the Dual Government System.

Governor-Generals of Bengal (1773-1833):

Warren Hastings (1773-1784):

Warren Hastings served as the first governor-general of India from 1773 to 1784. He faced impeachment but was later acquitted.
In 1784, Warren Hastings faced charges of corruption but was acquitted in 1795 and subsequently appointed as a Privy Councillor.
Hastings initially joined the British East India Company in 1750 as a clerk. In 1757, he assumed the role of the British Resident, overseeing administrative matters in Murshidabad.In 1761, he was appointed to the Calcutta Council but returned to England in 1764. He came back to India in 1769 as a member of the Madras Council.

Hastings implemented measures to contain the Rohillas, although they could not be prevented from capturing Agra.

He entered into treaties with various rulers and formed alliances against the formidable forces of Haider Ali of Carnatic.
To fund these wars, Hastings borrowed extensively from the Begum of Awadh and Raja Chait Singh of Banaras.
Warren Hastings introduced numerous reforms, including:

Administrative Reforms:

He abolished the Dual System of Government in Bengal, established by Robert Clive in 1768, making the Company responsible for revenue collection.
Hastings discontinued the payment of ₹26 lakh to the Mughal Emperor.

Revenue Reforms:

A Board of Revenue was established in Calcutta to oversee revenue collection.
In 1772, Calcutta became the capital, and the treasury was shifted from Murshidabad to Calcutta.
English collectors were appointed in each district, assisted by native officials.
Hastings simplified the revenue accounts, making them understandable, and implemented provisions for the protection of Ryots.

Judicial Reforms:

Hastings initiated reforms in the judicial system, establishing a Civil Court and Faujdari Adalat (Criminal Court) in each district.
The establishment of the Supreme Court in 1774 occurred under the Regulating Act of 1773 during Warren Hastings’ tenure.

Social Reforms:

Lord Hastings founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784.
He initiated the establishment of a madrasa in Calcutta to promote Muslim education.
In 1791, Jonathan Duncan founded a Sanskrit School in Banaras.
Warren Hastings strengthened British power in India through strategic treaties, including the Treaty of Banaras (1773) and the Treaty of Faizabad (1775).
These agreements increased English influence in Awadh, making the Nawab dependent on the East India Company.

Lord Cornwallis (1786-1793):

Following Warren Hastings, Sir John Jefferson served as the acting Governor-General from 1785 to 1786. Subsequently, Lord Cornwallis assumed the role of the next Governor-General of India, also serving as the Governor of India in 1805. He passed away in Ghazipur in 1805, and his tomb is located in Jaipur.

Key Reforms by Cornwallis:

Cornwallis is hailed as ‘the father of civil service in India,’ initiating civil services for administration in British India.
He became the first person to codify laws in 1793, separating revenue administration from the administration of justice, known as the Cornwallis Code.
Cornwallis introduced the post of District Judge.

Lord Cornwallis implemented the Zamindari system in 1793 through the Permanent Settlement.

Under this system, the government’s share in total land revenue collected by zamindars was fixed at 10/11th, leaving the remaining portion to the zamindars.
According to the Permanent Land Revenue settlement, zamindars were recognized as the permanent owners of the land.

Sir John Shore (1793-1798):

During Sir John Shore’s tenure, the British Parliament enacted the Charter Act of 1793.
The period of Shore’s rule as Governor-General was relatively uneventful, criticized for its perceived balancing and timid policies.
The Battle of Kharda between the Nizam and Marathas occurred in 1795 during his administration.

Lord Wellesley (1798-1805):

Lord Wellesley implemented the policy of Subsidiary Alliance to establish British Paramountcy in India, starting with an alliance with the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1798.
The Subsidiary Alliance restricted princely rulers from engaging in negotiations or treaties with other Indian rulers without informing Company officials. They were also prohibited from maintaining standing armies, relying on European company troops for protection and financing the British Army’s upkeep. A British resident was stationed at the court of the native ruler. Wellesley also established the Board of Trade.
He dispatched British envoys, Mehdi Ali Khan and later John Marshall, to the Court of the Shah of Persia. Wellesley enacted press control regulations during his rule.
Christian missionaries set up a printing press at Serampore.
Fort Williams College was founded, with Sir John Gilchrist appointed head of the Hindustani Language Department.
The Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799) took place under his rule, resulting in the defeat and death of Tipu Sultan and the annexation of various parts of Mysore.

Lord Wellesley assumed the administration of Tanjore on October 25, 1799, Surat in March 1800, and Carnatic on July 1, 1801.

The Madras Presidency was established during his Governorship.

George Barlow (1805-1807):

During his governorship, the Vellore Mutiny of sepoys occurred in AD 1806, with main grievances related to uniforms and haircuts.
The mutiny was suppressed by the Governor of Madras, William Bentinck, at that time.

Lord Minto I (1807-1813):

The primary event during his governorship was the signing of the Treaty of Amritsar in 1809 with Ranjit Singh. Charles Metcalfe signed the treaty on behalf of the British administration.
The Charter Act of 1813 was also passed during his tenure.

Lord Hastings (1813-1823):

The Nepalese War of 1814-1816 took place during his governorship, leading to the Gorkhas accepting the Treaty of Sagauli in March 1816.
Lord Hastings participated in the Pindari War (1817-18), resulting in the suppression of the Pindaris.
The Third Maratha War occurred from 1817 to 1818, leading to the final crushing of Maratha power.
The Bombay Presidency was established in 1818 from the Maratha regions.
Governor Thomas Munro introduced the Ryotwari settlement in the Madras Presidency in 1820, a primary land revenue system in South India. It granted ownership rights to peasants, with the British Government collecting taxes directly. Revenue rates were 50% for dry lands and 60% for irrigated lands.
The Bengal Tenancy Act was passed in 1822, and coffee plantations were initiated in Bengal and Assam during his tenure.

Lord Amherst (1823-1828):

He fought the First Burmese War (1824-26), and the Barrackpore Mutiny took place in 1824 during his tenure.
During his reign, the Malay Peninsula became part of the British territories. He orchestrated the capture of Bharatpur territories in 1826.

Governor-Generals and Viceroys of India (1828-1950):

Under the Charter Act of 1833, the position of Governor-General of India was established, consolidating control over the territories of Bengal, Madras, Bombay, and others.

Lord William Bentinck (1828-1835):

William Bentinck served as the last Governor-General of Bengal from 1828 to 1833 and the inaugural Governor-General of India from 1833 to 1835.

Acknowledged as one of the liberal and enlightened figures in the role, he is often referred to as the Father of Modern Western Education in India.

During his tenure, the annexation of Mysore in 1831 occurred.
He negotiated a Treaty of Perpetual Friendship with Ranjit Singh in 1831.
The Charter Act of 1833 was enacted during his leadership, ensuring that no Indian subject of the Company would be barred from holding office based on religion, place of birth, descent, or color.
This removed distinctions in recruitment to public services.

Major Reforms by Bentinck:

Several reform measures were implemented under his leadership:

He abolished Sati and other cruel rites in 1829, with the Regulation of 1829 initially applied in Bengal and later extended to Madras and Bombay Presidencies in 1830.
The suppression of thugi was another reform undertaken in 1830.
In education, Bentinck introduced the Macaulay Minute, establishing English as the official language of the British Indian administration, fostering the growth of higher education in India.
Judicial reforms included the abolition of provincial courts of appeal and circuit courts, transferring their duties to Magistrates and Collectors under the supervision of the Commissioner of Revenue and Circuit.
To enhance the accessibility of justice for the residents of Upper Province (present-day Uttar Pradesh) and Delhi, separate Sadr Nizamat Adalat and Sadr Diwani Adalat were established in Allahabad. This spared the residents from the necessity of undertaking long journeys to file their appeals in Calcutta.
Until then, Persian had been the court language. Under Bentinck’s administration, litigants were given the choice to use vernacular languages when filing suits. English replaced Persian as the language in higher courts.
Bentinck implemented measures to include qualified Indians in junior judicial roles, starting as Munsiffs and having the opportunity to advance to the position of Sadr Amins.
He pursued a policy of non-interference in the affairs of Indian states to the extent possible.

At the request of the new Nizam, Nasir-ud-Daula, who assumed the throne in 1829, British officers were withdrawn from Hyderabad.

A similar non-intervention policy was maintained in the states of Jodhpur, Bundi, Kota, and Bhopal.
However, Bentinck deviated from the non-intervention policy and annexed Mysore (1831), Coorg (1834), and Central Cachar (November 1834) on the grounds of misgovernance.

Sir Charles Metcalfe (1834-1836):

Charles Metcalfe is renowned for liberating the press in India. He enacted the famous Press law, eliminating restrictions imposed on the press.

Lord Auckland (1836-1842):

The most significant event during his tenure was the First Afghan War (1839-42), resulting in substantial British losses. This defeat dealt a blow to the prestige of British power in India. A Tripartite Treaty was established in 1838 between Shah Shuja, Ranjit Singh, and the British for Afghanistan. Although Shah Shuja was intended to be placed on the Afghan throne, Ranjit Singh later withdrew from this treaty.
During his term, the construction of a road from Delhi to Calcutta commenced in 1839, and during this period, Sher Shah Suri Marg was renamed as the Grand Trunk Road (GT Road).

Lord Ellenborough (1842-1844):

In his two-year tenure, he concluded the Afghan war and oversaw the annexation of Sind in 1843 under the leadership of Charles Napier. Additionally, Lord Ellenborough enacted the Indian Slavery Act of 1843, which abolished slavery in India.

Lord Hardinge I (1844-1848):

The primary event during his rule was the Anglo-Sikh War, starting in 1845 with battles at Mudki, Sobraon, Feroz Shah, and Aliwal. The war concluded with the Treaty of Lahore in 1846. Lord Hardinge, I also took measures to eliminate female infanticide and human sacrifice.

Lord Dalhousie (1848-1856):

Assuming the role of India’s Governor-General in 1848 at the age of 36, Lord Dalhousie significantly expanded the British Empire through warfare and the Doctrine of Lapse. Under Dalhousie’s leadership, the Second Anglo-Sikh War took place in 1840, resulting in the annexation of Punjab to the British Empire in just 18 days.
In This time, the Second Anglo-Burmese War occurred in 1852-53, leading to the defeat of the Burmese and the incorporation of Lower Burma or Pegu into the British Empire. Sikkim was assimilated into the British Kingdom in 1850.

Doctrine of Lapse

A major revolt by the Santhals in 1856, during Dalhousie’s tenure, was successfully suppressed. The Doctrine of Lapse was employed to merge Satara in 1848, Jaitpur and Sambalpur in 1849, Baghat in 1850, Jhansi in 1853, Udaipur in 1852, and Nagpur in 1854 with the British Empire. Additionally, in 1856, Awadh was annexed by Dalhousie and incorporated into the British Empire based on grounds of ‘misgovernance.’

Reforms Initiated by Dalhousie:

Dalhousie implemented administrative reforms by appointing a Lieutenant-Governor for Bengal, aiming to streamline the responsibilities of the Governor-General of India.
Territories recently annexed to the British Empire were subjected to centralized control, with the appointment of a commissioner reporting directly to the Governor-General.
In the military restructuring, Dalhousie raised the Gurkha regiment. He also advocated reducing the number of Indians in the British army, considering it a potential threat. The Gurkha regiment played a crucial role in suppressing the Revolt of 1857.
For educational reforms, Dalhousie endorsed the Thomsonian System of Vernacular education for the entire North-Western Provinces (1853). During his tenure, Wood’s Education Despatch of 1854 led to the establishment of Anglo-Vernacular Schools and Government Colleges, including the founding of an Engineering College at Roorkee.
Public works initiatives, such as the inception of the first railway line connecting Bombay with Thane in 1853, marked his term. Lord Dalhousie earned recognition as the Father of the Indian Telegraph System.

He contributed to the construction of the Grand Trunk Road and the development of harbors in Karachi, Bombay, and Calcutta.

Lord Canning (1856-1862):

Canning, the final Governor-General of India and the first Viceroy under the Government of India Act, of 1858, witnessed significant developments.
During his tenure, the Widow Remarriage Act was enacted on July 25, 1856. The Revolt of 1857 occurred, prompting Canning to withdraw the Doctrine of Lapse policy.
The Indian Councils Act of 1861, a landmark in India’s constitutional history, was passed under his administration. This act marked the end of the East India Company’s rule, placing Indian territory directly under the control of the British monarch.
On the recommendations of Wood’s Despatch, the Universities of Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras were established in 1857. The Indigo riots in Bengal (1860) occurred during his Governorship.

Lord Elgin I (1862-1863):

The Wahabi Movement, a Pan-Islamic Movement, initiated during his tenure, was suppressed by the British. Lord Elgin, I passed away in Dharmshala in 1863, which was part of Punjab at that time.

Sir John Lawrence (1864-1869):

Lawrence adopted a Policy of Non-Intervention in the case of Afghanistan and maintained a friendly relationship with Afghanistan’s ruler, Sher Ali.
His term witnessed severe famine in the regions of Odisha, Bundelkhand, and Rajputana, leading to the establishment of a Famine Commission under George Campbell.

During his tenure, telegraphic communication with Europe through the sea was initiated. High courts were established at Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras in 1865, and the native judicial service was reorganized.

Lawrence expanded canal works and railways, conducted the Bhutan War (1865), and established the Indian Forests Department.

Lord Mayo (1869-1872):

Under his administration, the state railways system was introduced. Colleges for the education and political training of Indian Princes were established, including Rajkot College in Kathiawar and Mayo College at Ajmer.

The Organization of Statistical Survey of India under WW Hunter was initiated, and the first Census of India took place in 1872.

A Department of Agriculture and Commerce was also established.
In 1870, he initiated the process of financial decentralization in India, marking the first step toward the separation of central and provincial finances.
Sher Ali Afridi, an Afridi Pathan and a convict in the Andamans assassinated Mayo in 1872. He became the only Viceroy to be murdered in office.

Lord Northbrook (1872-1876):

During his tenure, the Kuka Movement took place in Punjab in 1872. The Prince of Wales (King Edward Seventh) visited in 1875 while Northbrook was Viceroy, and he donated 10,000 to the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College.

Lord Lytton (1876-1880):

Lord Lytton, a renowned writer and administrator, adopted an aggressive policy towards Afghanistan during the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880). Under his administration, a commission led by Richard Strachey advised the establishment of the Famine Fund in each province. The Delhi Darbar was organized in 1877 during a severe famine, honoring Queen Victoria with the title of Kaiser-e-Hind.
The Vernacular Press Act was passed in 1878 during Lytton’s time, leading to the ban of newspapers in Indian languages. This act was also known as the Galaghont Act. Lytton is criticized for free trade and the abolition of duties on manufacturing goods in India, which resulted in the drain of wealth.

Lord Ripon (1880-1884):

Ripon repealed the Vernacular Press Act in 1882 and introduced the First Factory Act in 1881 to improve the conditions of workers in factories. Regular census-taking began during his tenure in 1881.
The initiation of Local Self-Government commenced in 1882 with the Resolution for Local Self-Government, earning him the title of the Father of Local Self-Government in India. He established the Hunter Commission in 1882, dedicated to enhancing primary education in India.
During his tenure, the Ilbert Bill Controversy unfolded in 1883. This bill aimed to eliminate discrimination by allowing Indian Jurists to try Europeans. However, due to protests by Europeans, the bill had to be amended, leading to his resignation.

Lord Dufferin (1884-1888):

A significant event during Dufferin’s rule was the Third Anglo-Burmese War (1885-1888 AD), resulting in the defeat of Burma and the annexation of Lower and Upper Burma in 1885.

The Tenancy Act was passed in Bengal in 1885, preventing landlords from arbitrarily seizing farmers’ land.

Dufferin’s era marked the establishment of the Indian National Congress in 1885, and Allahabad University was founded in AD 1887.

Lord Lansdowne (1888-1894):

During Lansdowne’s time, the Second Factory Act was passed in 1891 AD, and the Indian Council Act, of 1892 was enacted. The boundary line between India and Afghanistan, known as the Durand Line, was determined in this period.

Lord Elgin II (1894-1899):

Lord Elgin faced a severe famine in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Punjab between 1896 and 1898. In response, a Famine Commission was appointed in 1898, chaired by James Lyall, to investigate the situation.
During Elgin’s era, the Opium Commission was formed in 1893, and the Munda Uprising occurred in 1899 under his administration.
In his tenure, the Chapekar Brothers assassinated two British officials, Rand and Amherst, in 1897.

Lord Curzon (1899-1905):

Lord Curzon undertook significant initiatives in India, including the creation of the territory of Eastern Bengal and Assam. The planned Partition of Bengal also originated during his tenure.
Key reforms introduced by Lord Curzon include:
Foreign Policy: Curzon united the new North-West Frontier and initiated interference in Tibet, accusing the Dalai Lama of favoring Russia. In 1903, Colonel Young husband led an army to sign a treaty with Tibet.
Education: Curzon established the Indian University Commission under Thomas Raleigh in 1902, leading to the passage of the Indian Universities Act in 1904.
Police Reform: Lord Curzon established a Police Commission chaired by Sir Andrew Fraser in 1902. In 1903, the CID (Criminal Investigation Department) was established in the Police Department.
Famine Commission: Lord Curzon appointed a Famine Commission chaired by Anthony McDonnell during his reign.
Agriculture: The Agricultural Research Institute was established at Pusa (New Delhi) during his tenure. In 1901, an Irrigation Commission led by Sir Colin Scot Moncrieff was established to address irrigation issues in India.

Lord Minto II (1905-1910):

His tenure witnessed the anti-partition and Swadeshi Movement against the Bengal partition. The Muslim League was founded in 1906 by Aga Khan, and in 1906, Congress declared its goal of Swaraj during the Calcutta Session.
Congress experienced a split during its annual session in Surat in 1907.
In 1908, under Lord Hardinge II’s tenure, Khudiram Bose was sentenced to death, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak was imprisoned for six years.

The Indian Council Act of 1909, also known as Morley-Minto Reforms, was announced during this period, further widening the gap between Hindus and Muslims through the introduction of separate electorates.

Lord Hardinge II’s reign (1910-1916)

Lord Hardinge II’s reign (1910-1916) included the organization of the Delhi Darbar in 1911, where King George V and Queen Mary of Britain attended for coronation and announced the cancellation of the Partition of Bengal. Additionally, the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi was declared in 1911. On December 23, 1912, Lord Hardinge survived a bomb attack while entering Delhi, resulting in injuries.
World War I (1914-18) commenced during Lord Hardinge’s tenure. In 1916, he granted permission to establish Banaras Hindu University.

Lord Chelmsford (1916-1921)

Lord Chelmsford (1916-1921) witnessed the formation of the Home Rule League in 1916 and the establishment of the Women’s University in Poona.

The Lucknow Pact was signed between Congress and the Muslim League in 1916, bringing Moderates and Extremists back together. The Sadler Commission on Education was appointed in 1917.

During this period, the Rowlatt Act of 1919 was passed, leading to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919. The Government of India Act, 1919, was also enacted. The Khilafat Movement, the Non-cooperation Movement from 1920 to 1922, and the Third Anglo-Afghan War in 1919 occurred during Lord Chelmsford’s tenure.

Lord Reading (1921-1926)

Lord Reading (1921-1926) held the distinction of being the only Jewish Viceroy to serve in India.
During his tenure, the Acworth Committee (1921) recommended the separation of the Railway budget from the General budget. The Moplah Rebellion occurred in Kerala in 1921, and the Swaraj Party was founded in December 1922.
The Non-Cooperation Movement, initiated on 5th February 1922, was halted after the Chauri-Chaura incident. Civil Services exams started being conducted simultaneously in Delhi and London in 1923. The Lee Commission for the Public Service was established in 1924 during Lord Reading’s time.

On 19th August 1925, during the Kakori Incident, Lord Reading served as the Viceroy of India.

Lord Irwin (1926-1931

Lord Irwin (1926-1931) witnessed the arrival of the Simon Commission in India.
Key events during his tenure included the publication of the Nehru Report in 1928 under the chairmanship of Motilal Nehru, Jinnah’s response with his 14 points, and the appointment of the Royal Commission on Agriculture in 1928.
The ‘Declaration of Purna Swaraj‘ was made in the Lahore Session on 31st December 1929, and Independence Day was celebrated nationwide on 26th January 1930. Civil Disobedience, launched by Gandhiji on 12th March 1930, included the historic Dandi March. The First Round Table Conference took place in London in 1930, followed by the Gandhi-Irwin Pact in March 1931.

Lord Willingdon (1931-1936)

Lord Willingdon (1931-1936) oversaw the organization of the Second Round Table Conference in London in 1931. During his time, Ramsay MacDonald announced the Communal Award in 1932, and Individual Civil Disobedience Movements were launched.
The Third Round Table was convened, leading to the passing of the Government of India Act in 1935. In 1935, India was separated from Burma, and the All-India Kisan Sabha was established in 1936.

Lord Linlithgow (1936-1944)

Lord Linlithgow (1936-1944) oversaw the first general elections, resulting in Congress gaining an absolute majority and forming Ministries in most provinces (1937). The Congress Ministries resigned in 1939 with the outbreak of the Second World War (1939-45).
Subash Chandra Bose was elected Congress President in 1938, later resigning to form the Forward Bloc in 1939.
The August Offer in 1940, proposed by the Viceroy, was rejected by Congress, and the Cripps Mission took place in 1942.

Lord Wavell (1944-1947)

Lord Wavell (1944-1947) saw the evolution of the CR Formula by C Rajagopalachari in 1944, leading to Gandhi-Jinnah talks. The Shimla Conference on 25th June, 1945, discussed the Wavell Plan.
On 28th January 1946, Wavell announced the government’s intention to establish an Executive Council of political leaders. The Mutiny of the Indian Naval Ratings occurred in Bombay on 18th February 1946, and the INA Trial began in the same year.

On 15th March 1946, Attlee announced the Cabinet Mission under Pethick Lawrence, Stafford Cripps, and AV Alexander, which arrived in Delhi on 24th March, 1946. Congress accepted its proposal.

The Direct Action Day in August 1946 was observed by the Muslim League, and elections were held for the Constituent Assembly. In September 1946, an interim government was formed by Congress. Prime Minister of England Clement Attlee announced the end of British rule in India on 20th February 1947.

Lord Mountbatten (1947-1948)

He announced the 3rd June 1947 plan, which is known as the Mountbatten Plan
The Indian Independence Bill was introduced in the House of Commons in his tenure on 4th July 1947.
As per the Bill, two independent Nations-India and Pakistan were to be formed.

Two Boundary Commissions under Sir Cyril Radcliffe were appointed for the partition of Punjab and Bengal.

On 14th August 1947, Pakistan gained independence, and India followed suit on 15th August 1947. Post-independence, Mountbatten assumed the role of the first Governor-General of free India.

C Rajagopalachari

C Rajagopalachari served as the last Governor-General of free India and the only Indian to hold this position. During his tenure, the Constitution was adopted on 26th November 1949 and officially enacted on 26th January 1950.

Prelims Facts

In which year, the first railway line was established between Bombay and Thane? -1853 (HPSC 2023)
Who was called the commander born from heaven? – Robert Clive (UPPSC (Pre) 2009]
Who introduced the Dyarchy System in Bengal -Robert Clive [UPPSC (Pre) 2015]
Who succeeded Robert Clive to lead the East India Company? Lord Hastings [APSC (Pre) 2016
With whom was the ‘Ring Fence Policy’ associated? – Warren Hastings (BPSC (Pre) 2005]
The policy of ‘Security Cell’ is related to whom? – Warren Hastings (UPPSC (Pre) 2006]
The subsidiary alliance was implemented during the reign – of Lord Wellesley [UPPSC (Mains) 2011]
The Revolt of Vellore occurred during the regime of which Governor? Sir George Barlow [CGPSC (Pre) 2016]
The Anglo-Nepal War took place during the reign of – Lord Hastings (UPPSC (Mains) 2010]
On the basis of alleged maladministration, which Governor-General had taken the administration of Mysore state? -Lord William Bentinck [UPPSC (Pre) 2003)
Which Governor-General of Bengal is associated with the third Anglo-Mysore War? – Lord Cornwallis (UPPSC (Pre) 2013]
Which Governor-General established a permanent land revenue system in India? -Lord Cornwallis [UPPSC (Pre) 2007, MPPSC (Pre) 2015

UPSC NCERT Practice Questions

1. At the time of the establishment of the Asiatic Society in Calcutta, who was the Governor-General of Bengal? UPPSC (Pre) 2014

(a) Lord Cornwallis

(b) Warren Hastings

(d) Lord Bentinck

2. Which statements are correct in connection with Lord Cornwallis? CGPSC (Pre) 2014

1. Cleansing of administration.

2. Modernisation of the police system.

3. Established police stations at every 20 miles.

4. Appointed Indians on higher posts.

Codes

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 1, 2 and 3

(d) 3 and 4

3. Which one of the following statements does not apply to the system of Subsidiary Alliance introduced by Lord Wellesley? IAS (Pre) 2018

(a) To maintain a large standing army at other’s expense.

(b) To keep India safe from Napoleonic danger.

(d) To establish British paramountcy over the Indian States

4. Wellesley established the Fort William College at Calcutta because IAS (Pre) 2020

(a) he was asked by the Board of Directors in London to do so.

(b) he wanted to revive interest in oriental learning in

India.

(d) he wanted to train British civilians for administrative purposes in India.

5. The Revolt of Vellore occurred during the regime of which Governor? CGPSC (Pre) 2016

(a) Wellesley

(b) Lord Minto

(d) Sir George Barlow

6. Which reforms were made by Lord Dalhousie for the decentralization of the army? Which of the following statements is incorrect in this respect?

(a) The Bengal Army was shifted to Meerut.

(b) The war weapons were brought from Calcutta to Meerut.

(d) He trusted the Indian Army.

7. Who among the following formulated and implemented the ‘Doctrine of Lapse’? UPPSC (Mains) 2011

(a) Wellesley

(b)Hastings

(c)Dalhousie

(d)Clive

8. Which one of the following Anderoy of India was murdered by a convict in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands while he was on tour?

(a) Lord Curzon

(b) Lord Ripon

(d) Lord Minto

9. Who introduced financial Decentralisation in India? UKPSC (Pre) 2022

(a) Lord Ripon

(b) Lord Dalhousie

(d) Lord Mayo

10. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly Matched? RAS/RTS (Pre) 2016

(a) Ring Fence Policy – Warren Hastings

b) Suppression of Thuggee – William Bentinck

(d) Ilbert Bill – Ripon

11. Who among the following Viceroys repealed the Vernacular Press Act of 1878? WBCS (Pre) 2022

(a) Lord Lytton

(b) Lord Curzon

(d) Lord Ripon

12. The Archaeological Survey of India was established in the period of CGPSC (Pre) 2018

(a) Warren Hastings

(b) Lord Wellesley

(d) Lord William Bentinck

13. What was the real intention of the British Government behind the Partition of Bengal?

(a) To bring administrative efficiency.

(b) To stem the rising tide of nationalism.

(d) To provide growth to Bengali literature.

14. Who was the first Governor-General of Independent India? WBCS (Pre) 2017

(a) Chakravarti Rajagopalachari

(b) Clement Attlee

(d) Lord Mountbatten

Know Right Answer

1 (b)

2 (b)

3 (a)

4 (d)

5 (d)

6 (d)

7 (c)

8 (a)

9 (d)

10 (c)

11 (d)

12 (c)

13(b

14 (d)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the role of a Governor in a state?

A1: The governor is the ceremonial head of a state in a country and acts as the representative of the head of state at the state level. They play a crucial role in the constitutional machinery of the state, including the appointment of the Chief Minister and the administration of oaths.

2. How does the role of a Governor-General differ from that of a Governor?

A2: A Governor-General, or Viceroy in some historical contexts, is a representative of the monarch or the head of state at the national level, often overseeing multiple states or provinces. The role is more prominent in countries with a colonial history. Governors, on the other hand, operate at the state level and are appointed by the President or the head of state.

3. What powers do Governors-General and Viceroys historically possess?

A3: Historically, Governors-General and Viceroys wielded significant executive and legislative powers, acting as the highest authority in the colonies. They could appoint and dismiss officials, promulgate laws, and shape policies. However, the extent of their powers varied depending on the specific colonial context and the governing country’s policies.

4. How are Governors and Governors-General appointed?

A4: Governors are typically appointed by the President or the head of state of a country. The appointment process varies, but it often involves recommendations from the Prime Minister or the central government. Governors-General, in the context of former colonies, were usually appointed by the colonial power’s monarch or head of state, based on recommendations or decisions made at the imperial level.

5. Can a Governor or Governor-General be removed from office?

A5: The removal of a Governor is usually at the discretion of the appointing authority, such as the President or the head of state. Governors-General, in colonial history, could be recalled or removed by the imperial government. The removal process typically involves a decision at the central level of government and may be influenced by various factors, including political considerations and performance evaluations.

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UPSC NCERT Notes – Modern History – Governor, Governor-General and Viceroys