Governors-General
& Viceroys of India (British India):
In
1600, the East
India Company (EIC) acquired a charter from the ruler of England, Queen
Elizabeth I, granting it the sole right to trade with the East. The British
transformed from a commercial power to one of the world’s most powerful nations
in a period of about three centuries.
Within the
period of time the East India Company was transformed from a trading company
to a territorial colonial power. Through the Governor-General and Viceroys,
the British were able to establish imperial power in India.
Governor-General
of Bengal (1773-1833):
When the
East India Company arrived in India, Bengal was under the control of a position
known as “Governor of Bengal.”
Madras and
Bombay had their own governors, respectively.
The first
Governor of Bengal was Robert Clive.
However,
after the passing of Regulating Act 1773, the post of Governor of Bengal
was converted into “Governor-General of Bengal”.
The first
Governor-General of Bengal was Warren Hastings.
Governor-General
of India (1833-58):
By virtue
of the Charter Act of 1833, the office of “Governor-General of
Bengal” was once more changed to “Governor-General of India.”
The first
Governor-General of India was William Bentinck.
This post
was mainly for administrative purposes and reported to the Court of Directors
of the East India Company.
Viceroy
(1858-1947):
After the
revolt in 1857, company rule was ended, and India came directly under British
crown control.
Government
of India Act 1858 passed which changed the name of post-Governor General of
India by Viceroy of India.
The
Viceroy was appointed directly by the British government.
The first
Viceroy of India was Lord Canning.
List
of Important Governors-General & Viceroys of India with Major Events
