The first Governor General of India was William Bentinck. He was a soldier and British Statesman. Earlier, the Britishers came to Bengal and introduced the post of Governor General of Bengal in 1773. At that time, William Bentinck was appointed as the first governor-general of India (Bengal).
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About William Bentinck
Later in the year 1833, the Charter Act of 1833, replaced the Regulating Act of 1773 and Birtishers got control over India. Due to this, the post “Governor General of Bengal” got a new name Governor General of India. That’s why William Bentinck is famous as the first governor-general of India.
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Facts About Governor General
- Governor-General was the most powerful job during British rule.
- After the 1857 Revolt, the British Kingdom took India directly into their control, and the Governor post was renamed as Viceroy of India.
- Lord William Bentinck is famous for some great changes in Indian society such as the end of the Sati Tradition.
- He introduced some laws like the Zamindari System.
- Lord Mountbatten (1947-48) was the 1st Governor General of Free India. At that time, he was working as the last viceroy of the British Indian Empire.
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Summary
Who was the First Governor General of India?
Lord William Bentinck was the 1st governor-general of India. He was on this post in the year 1773. At that time, this post’s name was Governor-General of Bengal. Lord Mountbatten was the first governor-general of the independent country.
FAQs
The 1st governor-general of India was William Bentinck. He is known for his work to improve civil services reforms.
Lord Mountbatten was the last Viceroy of India in the year 1947.
The first woman to become the governor of an Indian state was Sarojini Naidu. She is also called “the Nightingale of India”.
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