SATHEE: Governor-Generals of India

Governor-Generals of India

Definition: The Governor-General of India was the highest executive authority in British India, representing the East India Company’s expanded administration across the entire Indian subcontinent.
Role:
- Head of the British administration in India.
- Represented the East India Company (not the British Crown until 1858).
- Oversaw the implementation of Company policies across all territories.
- Appointed and dismissed officials in the Indian Civil Service.
- Played a key role in the governance, military, and foreign affairs of British India.

1773: Regulating Act of 1773 – Established the Governor-General of Bengal.
1858: After the First War of Independence (1857), the Government of India Act 1858 was passed, and the title was changed from Governor-General of India to Viceroy of India.
1947: Partition of India, Independence of India and Pakistan, and the end of British rule in India.

English Education Act (1835): Introduced by Lord William Bentinck, promoted English education in India.
Doctrine of Lapse: Implemented by Lord Dalhousie, allowed annexation of Indian states without a male heir.
Railway and Telegraph Systems: Introduced by Lord Dalhousie, modernized infrastructure in India.
Partition of Bengal (1905): Introduced by Lord Curzon, later reversed in 1911.
Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919): Introduced by Lord Chelmsford, introduced diarchical system in the provinces.

Aspect	Governor-General	Viceroy
Title	Used before 1858	Used from 1858 onwards
Authority	Represented the East India Company	Represented the British Crown
Appointment	Appointed by the British East India Company	Appointed by the British Crown
Responsibility	Administered British India under the Company	Administered British India under the British Government

Lord William Bentinck is known for social reforms like the abolition of Sati and English Education Act (1835).
Lord Dalhousie is known for annexation of states, Railway and Telegraph Systems, and the Doctrine of Lapse.
Lord Canning played a key role in the First War of Independence (1857) and issued the Proclamation of Queen Victoria.
Lord Curzon introduced the Partition of Bengal (1905) and reorganized the Indian Civil Service (ICS).
Lord Mountbatten oversaw the Partition of India and the Transfer of Power in 1947.
Lord Ripon promoted local self-government and supported Indian education.
Lord Chelmsford handled the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919) and the Rowlatt Act (1919).

Doctrine of Lapse: A policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie to annex Indian states without a male heir.
English Education Act (1835): A law introduced by Lord William Bentinck to promote English education in India.
First War of Independence (1857): Also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, a major uprising against British rule in India.
Proclamation of Queen Victoria (1858): Issued by Lord Canning, declared Queen Victoria as the Empress of India.
Partition of Bengal (1905): A controversial decision by Lord Curzon to divide Bengal, later reversed in 1911.
Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919): Introduced a diarchical system in the provinces, giving limited self-government to Indians.

Lord William Bentinck is often referred to as the Father of Modern India due to his social reforms.
Lord Dalhousie is known as the Architect of Modern India for his extensive territorial expansion and modernization efforts.
Lord Canning is remembered for his role in the First War of Independence (1857) and the Proclamation of Queen Victoria.
Lord Mountbatten is the last Viceroy of India, overseeing the Partition of India and the Transfer of Power in 1947.

Who was the first Governor-General of India?
- Lord Hastings (1774–1795), though the title was later changed to Viceroy of India in 1858.
Who was the last Governor-General of India?
- Lord Mountbatten (1947–1948), who became the last Viceroy of India.
What was the Doctrine of Lapse?
- A policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie to annex Indian states without a male heir.
What is the English Education Act?
- A law introduced by Lord William Bentinck to promote English education in India.
Who is known as the Father of Modern India?
- Lord William Bentinck for his social reforms.
Who is known as the Architect of Modern India?
- Lord Dalhousie for his territorial expansion and modernization efforts.