The British ruled India through officials called Governors-General and later Viceroys. Their policies, wars and reforms shaped modern India. Questions on these officials and the events linked to them appear often in SSC, UPSC and Railway exams.
From Governor of Bengal to Governor-General
The office grew in stages. Warren Hastings (1773-1785) became the first Governor-General of Bengal under the Regulating Act of 1773. Lord Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement (1793) and is called the father of civil services in India. The Charter Act of 1833 made Lord William Bentinck the first Governor-General of India.
Important Governors-General
- Lord William Bentinck abolished Sati (1829) with the help of Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
- Lord Dalhousie (1848-1856) introduced the Doctrine of Lapse, started the railways and telegraph, and annexed Awadh.
- Lord Canning was the last Governor-General and the first Viceroy after the Revolt of 1857.
Viceroys After 1858
The Government of India Act 1858 ended Company rule and the Crown took control. The Governor-General was now also called the Viceroy.
- Lord Lytton passed the Vernacular Press Act and the Arms Act.
- Lord Ripon brought the first Factory Act and local self-government; the Ilbert Bill is linked to him.
- Lord Curzon ordered the Partition of Bengal (1905).
- Lord Mountbatten was the last Viceroy and oversaw the transfer of power in 1947.
Why These Officials Matter
Each name is tied to a specific act or event. Linking the official to the reform is the easiest way to remember these facts for the exam.
Quick Revision Points
- First Governor-General of Bengal: Warren Hastings.
- First Governor-General of India: Lord William Bentinck.
- Permanent Settlement (1793): Lord Cornwallis.
- Doctrine of Lapse and railways: Lord Dalhousie.
- First Viceroy of India: Lord Canning.
- Partition of Bengal (1905): Lord Curzon.
- Last Viceroy: Lord Mountbatten.