Home > Indian History > History of India > Indian Governor- Generals
Indian Governor- Generals
Indian Governor-Generals were appointed as the head of the British administration in India.

Share this Article:

Indian Governor- GeneralsThe office for the Indian Governor-General of the Presidency of Fort William was created in 1773 for administering the Indian subcontinent. These offices were initially supervised by the East India Company and later with the transfer of powers this office was administered by the British Raj. While discussing about the British Governor generals one cannot possibly miss out the French Governor-General, Dupleix. However the Battle of Plassey ensured the supremacy of the British East India Company in the subcontinent. The reign of the Indian Governor-Generals began with Robert Clive in 1765.

The first Governor-General of Bengal was Warren Hastings. His proficiency and abilities were undoubtedly the best that the Company ever had. He held the office of Indian Governor-General from 1772 to 1785. He introduced numerous administrative, revenue and judicial reforms. Hastings was also the commander in chief of the British army during the Anglo-Maratha and Mysore Wars. He was succeeded by Sir John MacPherson (1785-86) and then Lord Cornwallis (1786-93). The latter was responsible for further consolidating the British Empire in India. He introduced the Permanent Settlement Act in Bengal and several other administrative reforms. Sir John Shore stepped into his shoes in 1793 and held his office till 1798.

Lord Wellesley was appointed as the next Indian Governor-General in 1798. His tenure continued till 1805. Within this span Hastings introduced the Subsidiary Alliance system. After appointing Sir George Hilario Barlow (1805-07) as the provisional Indian Governor-General the British Raj delegated the charges to Lord Minto in 1807. He was succeeded by the Earl of Moira; then by John Adam and finally by Lord Amherst in 1823.

But it was William Bentinck (1828-35) who succeeded William Butterworth Bayley who made a huge impact on the socio-cultural scenario of India. He abolished the Sati act, suppressed child sacrifices, infanticides and adopted liberal policies towards the Press. Lord Dalhousie is another Indian Governor-General who created a lot of ripples during his tenure. He was appointed Governor General of India in 1848. His eight years of rule is considered one of the greatest periods of British rule. His policy of Annexation was a lethal weapon of conquest that raised the rule of the East India Company to the height of glory.

Other Indian Governor-Generals of the British Raj were Earl of Elgin, Sir Robert Napier, Sir William Denison, Sir John Lawrence, Lord Mayo, Sir John Strachey, Lord Napier and Lord Northbrook. After 1876 a transfer of powers took place. As a result the administration of India was directly taken up by Britain. The office was Indian Governor-General from then on came to be known as Indian Viceroys.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.